BCIT NEWS

For nearly 60 years, BCIT has been delivering flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to provide applied solutions to industry challenges. As one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes with five campuses, 300+ programs, and over 45,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT is committed to connecting education, industry, and government in building an agile workforce with sustained and meaningful impact. This year marked several inspiring milestones that demonstrate this enduring commitment.

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BCIT NAMES DR. JEFF ZABUDSKY AS NEXT PRESIDENT

The BCIT Board of Governors has named Dr. Jeff Zabudsky as the Institute’s next President.

Dr. Zabudsky’s appointment is the result of an extensive and competitive search following the retirement of former President Kathy Kinloch in July 2022. Dr. Zabudsky joins BCIT at a pivotal time in the Institute’s growth—with extensive capital projects currently underway including the BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing Project and the $162.6 million Trades and Technology Complex at the Burnaby Campus.

The BCIT Board of Governors extends its sincere appreciation to Paul McCullough for his continued leadership in the role of Interim President, a position he will continue to serve until Dr. Zabudsky assumes his duties as President on July 10, 2023. ∆

New Beedie Plaza Unveiled At Bcit Burnaby Campus

BCIT and the Beedie Foundation announced the opening of the new Beedie Plaza at BCIT’s Burnaby campus today. Made possible by a $5 million donation from the Beedie Foundation and led by Ryan and Cindy Beedie, the plaza is the new landmark gateway to the BCIT Burnaby campus. Enhancing the experience of BCIT students, the Plaza not only provides expansive outdoor spaces where students can connect, study, or collaborate, but also is an important milestone in the journey to make the campus more pedestrian friendly.

(l-r) Elder Carleen Thomas, Tsleil-Waututh Nation; Elder Deanna George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation Council; Paul McCullough, Interim President, BCIT; Celine Loriot, President-Elect, BCIT Student Association; Ryan Beedie, President, Beedie; Cindy Beedie, Executive Director, Beedie Foundation; Danica Djurkovic, Vice President of Campus Planning and Facilities, BCIT

Completed in April, the Beedie Plaza covers an area of 4,000 square metres. It features an Indigenous-designed walkway that anchors the plaza. The mass-timber canopy connects to Campus Square, opening up this central part of campus, while the landscaped green space and new seating provide areas for relaxation and reflection or places for gathering. An efficient irrigation system reduces wastewater and supplies the plaza’s rain garden.

New Health Sciences Centre Officially Opens At Burnaby Campus

BCIT celebrated the opening of the new Health Sciences Centre on the Burnaby Campus in 2022. With generous support from industry leaders and the philanthropic community, the BCIT INSPIRE Campaign raised $11.7 million towards the development of the state-of-the-art facility. The Province also provided an investment of $66.6 million to the project.

The Health Sciences Centre, standing at four storeys and 111,460 square feet, is a critical hub for providing transformative, applied education to current and future generations of healthcare students in BC. BCIT Health

Sciences students have been utilizing the centre’s comprehensive and integrative learning spaces since fall 2022. It provides support to 32 Health Sciences programs.

“The Health Sciences Centre is a result of the collaborative support from our donors, alumni, government and industry partners, alongside the leadership from the INSPIRE Campaign Cabinet,” said Jackie Jacob, Executive Director, BCIT Foundation. “The dedication and investment by many are contributing to the building of a foundation for the future of health care in British Columbia.” ∆

STUDENTS AND INDUSTRY COLLABORATE, INNOVATE, AND CONNECT AT NEW BCIT TECH COLLIDER

With a focus on supporting BC’s vibrant technology sector, the new Tech Collider at the BCIT Downtown Campus will connect students and industry to solve real-world challenges.

“British Columbia has one of the fastest-growing tech sectors in Canada,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “Investing in technology and innovation centres like BCIT’s Tech Collider will help students get the skills and education they need to pursue fulfilling and in-demand careers in tech, while offering opportunities for employers in the tech industry to access the next generation of BC talent to close the labour shortage and continue delivering the services British Columbians rely on.”

A multi-purpose learning centre and collaboration space centred in the heart of downtown Vancouver’s technology and business district, the Tech Collider encourages collaboration (or “collision”), learning, and innovation between students, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. With an investment of $9.85 million from the Province, the space features state-of-the-art audiovisual technologies, including one of the largest interactive, multimedia screens in Western Canada, measuring 10 metres (32 feet) wide and three metres (nine feet) high. ∆

YOU’RE A BCIT ALUM SHOW YOUR PRIDE

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