2023/24 BCIT Alumni Association Annual Report

2023/ 24

BCIT ALUMNI ARE EVERYWHERE.

Making an impact, giving back, and inspiring progress. Learn more: bcit.ca/alumni

(left) BCIT alumni work in all sectors of British Columbia’s economy, including Applied and Natural Sciences, Business and Media, Computing and Information Technology, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Trades.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF BCIT

I am privileged to have recently joined BCIT and to celebrate the institution’s 60th anniversary of partnering learners and industry for success. With support from outstanding alumni, visionary leaders, partners, and the community, BCIT has experienced tremendous growth and firmly established itself as an institution that delivers flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to provide applied solutions to industry challenges.

This past year, I have had the pleasure of meeting alumni and it is clear to me that you play a critical role in ensuring our province and beyond has the skilled workforce required to shape, build, and power our economy. As the only post-secondary institution in BC with a mandate for strategic workforce development, your leadership, commitment, and passion are helping to build an agile workforce with sustained and meaningful impact to solving complex problems, lead innovation, and contribute to the sustainability of our communities. With alumni such as Molly Hudson who is championing women in leadership roles in the forestry industry, tech leader Brian Fry who is advancing the cultivation of tech entrepreneurs in rural BC towns, and Dr. Candy Ho trailblazing career development in an ever-changing job market, our alumni are disrupting the status quo and driving change for the better.

As a member of the over 205,000 strong alumni around the world, you have shaped, defined, and played an integral role in transforming BCIT into what it is today. Many of you have taken the opportunity to give back in time, talent, and treasure. With the fundraising efforts of the INSPIRE Campaign, we have raised over $118 million to support teaching and learning innovation, access and inclusion, and campus redevelopment. Through this campaign, we were able to open the BCIT Health Sciences Centre which is one of Canada’s largest healthcare simulation spaces. Further, we have been able to expand our flexible learning options with microcredentials, free online learning courses, and corporate/industry services courses. Through your contributions, you are supporting and inspiring tomorrow’s industry leaders so they can build a stronger province.

On behalf of BCIT faculty and staff, I want to thank all the volunteers of the Alumni Association Board of Directors who have generously given their time and expertise. Your tireless work to support alumni and advance BCIT is greatly appreciated.

To our alumni, I want to honour your legacy and I look forward to working with you to reimagine the future of applied education to ensure we continue to empower people, shape BC, and champion global progress.

Dr. Jeff Zabudsky President British Columbia Institute of Technology

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

This has been a year of reconnection, renewal, and excitement at BCIT. The Alumni Association sponsored dozens of events, supported student success, and hosted our first Distinguished Awards in person since 2019. Globally, more than 205,000 alumni are making an impact on the economic, social, and environmental prosperity of their communities in BC, and across the globe.

In the past fiscal year, the BCIT Alumni Association funded over $55,000 in scholarships, bursaries, and awards at BCIT. Ensuring the next generation of students have the support required to pursue their education is critical for our community, and our economy. B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook forecasts nearly one million job openings in the next decade, many of which are in the skilled trades. By supporting the success of BCIT students today, we enable the alumni of tomorrow to reach greater heights and meet industry demand.

In this annual report, we’re proud to share the stories of success, inspiration, and resilience of your fellow BCIT alumni. We’re also thrilled to share more stories of connection, as our team was able to attend dozens of events, connecting in-person with hundreds of engaged alumni around the world.

In 2023, we celebrated the Distinguished Awards at the Westin Bayshore, gathering for the first time since 2019. Coming together to honour our recipients was a great privilege, and one I won’t take for granted.

Last year, I hosted the 2023 Online Annual General Meeting (AGM), and moderated the alumni panel presentation, Engage Your Entrepreneurial Mindset. The passionate discussion featured Orene Askew, DJ and Change Maker; Olivia Lovenmark, Founder, Duchess Cocktails and Co-founder, Repose; and Ryan Benn, CEO and Group Publisher, Alive Publishing Group Inc. and Canada Wide Media. Conversations like these highlight the impact of BCIT alumni in promoting excellence through action and innovation.

All we accomplish couldn’t be possible without a dedicated team of hardworking individuals. On behalf of the board of directors, I want to extend my thanks to all those who make this work possible. Thank you BCIT President, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, for your leadership. To all our inspiring and generous alumni, thank you for being a force for change in your backyards, and beyond.

Emil Bosnjak , Marketing Management ‘88 President BCIT Alumni Association

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD AND AMBASSADORS

PRESIDENT

EMIL BOSNJAK

Marketing Management –Entrepreneurship, ‘88

President & CEO, BWireless Communications Inc. & Simplify Wireless

DIRECTOR

HERB GILL CPA, CGA

Business Management ‘77

President, CIMS Limited Partnership

DIRECTOR

REZA BAFANDEH

Operations Management ‘10; Business Administration ‘10

CEO, Darwynn Ltd.

DIRECTOR

JIMMY WANG

Engineering ‘25

Vice President External, BCIT Student Association

FRASER VALLEY ALUMNI

AMBASSADOR

JACK DAVIDSON

Former Chair, BCIT Board of Governors

VICE PRESIDENT

SEAN POOLE MBA

Nautical Sciences – Marine ‘09

Chief Operating Officer, Vancouver Island Ferry Company

DIRECTOR

AMANDA GOMES P.ENG

Civil Engineering ‘14

Senior Associate, Infrastructure BC

DIRECTOR

MANDY HARRIS MBA, BS C , MLT(CG)

Clinical Genetics ‘02; Health Leadership ‘20

Director, Mental Health Programs, Iridia Medical

COMMITTEE

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

NOLAN NORDWALL

Computer Systems ‘22

Junior Software Developer, MDA

HONG KONG ALUMNI

AMBASSADOR

BRAD KIRK

Chief Operating Officer, Harilela Hotels Group

SECRETARY/TREASURER

RESHMEENA

LALANI CPA, CA

Financial Management, Advanced Accounting ‘11

Manager, High Complexity Audit, Canada Revenue Agency

Founder and CEO, Inherent Diamonds and Jewels

DIRECTOR

Michelle Ward

Marketing Communications ‘00

Vice President, Corporate Communications, Canfor

DIRECTOR

Sergey Bukharov

Information Technology ‘17

Chief Customer Officer, SkyHive

Our deepest gratitude to Lisa Jung

Executive Director, BCIT Alumni Association and Director, BCIT Alumni Relations and Board Secretary Francis Loaisiga-Ramirez for their dedication and support of the board and to the Alumni Relations, Advancement Communications, and Advancement Servies teams for their exceptional work.

LISA JUNG

ALUMNI SUPPORT: GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

The Alumni Association believes that exceptional education leads to success which includes supporting and nurturing the next generation of leaders who are going to make an impact in BC and beyond. This past year, alumni have given back to the BCIT community in the form of time, talent, and treasure. Through engagement opportunities at events, acting as mentors, or providing monetary support, alumni are inspiring students to boldly meet challenges in an ever-changing complex world.

Throughout the years in partnership with BCIT Foundation, the Alumni Association is proud to have provided financial support through scholarships, bursaries, and awards to over 1,100 students totalling in excess of $1.3 million.

To find out how you can support BCIT students, visit bcit.ca/alumni/give

BCIT HONOURS STUDENT EXCELLENCE

More than 200 people gathered at the BCIT Burnaby Campus for the 2023 Entrance Awards and Scholarships Celebration. The inspiring event gave exemplary student recipients the opportunity to not only thank the donors who made their awards possible, but they also met members of the BCIT leadership who were excited to see the next generation of leaders.

This fall, over 400 scholarships and entrance awards amounting to over $800,000 were distributed to deserving students. ∆

ALUMNI PROVIDING NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

To support students and help address food insecurity on campus, the Alumni Association collected and donated 650 lbs of non-perishable food items for the BCIT Student Association Food Pantry. In 2023, the Food Pantry assisted almost 4,800 individuals. Of those, 92% were full-time students, but nearly 70 were alumni who came back to campus. With the rising cost-of-living, the Food Pantry is expecting an increase in demand of up to 50% so they have expanded their priority list of items to include cleaning supplies and menstrual products. With the help of sponsors and partners providing door prizes for events, the Alumni Association will continue to collect and support future alumni so they can focus on their educational pursuits. ∆

STUDENT AWARDS DISBURSED ON BEHALF OF THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN 2023/24

In 2023/24, 35 awards totalling $55,151 were disbursed as follows:

JUNE 2023 – GRADUATING AWARDS

The BCIT Alumni Association Awards – First Year Scholarship ($11,207)

Cameron Bates, Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Kevin Charter, Business Operations Management

Mark Ennis, Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems (Network Security Applications Development Option)

Shanise Reddekopp, Medical Laboratory Science

Reinier Tinapay, Architectural and Building Technology

SEPTEMBER 2023 – ENTRANCE AWARDS

The BCIT Alumni Association Entrance Awards ($7,500)

Mohammad Faaiz Rahimi, Industrial Network Cybersecurity

Briar Engbers, Interior Design Fundamentals

Solvi Hoffman, Cardiology Technology

Rafeel Geelani, Computer Information Technology

Donna Menegon, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Cardiac Sonography Option)

FALL 2023 – SCHOLARSHIPS

The BCIT Alumni Association Award ($9,246)

Megan Evans, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Alejandra Loaiza Granda, Architectural and Building Technology

Spencer Loren, Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems (Network Security Applications Development Option)

Jillian Murphy, Marketing Management (Professional Real Estate Option)

Blaze Pihl, Nautical Sciences

Heidi Ran, Mechatronics and Robotics

JANUARY 2024 – ENTRANCE AWARDS

The BCIT Alumni Association Entrance Award ($1,500)

Preese Zimmerman, Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MARCH 2024 – BURSARIES

The BCIT Alumni Association Bursaries ($25,698)

Bursaries were awarded to 18 students in financial need. ∆

AWARD AND BURSARY TOTALS SINCE ASSOCIATION INCEP TION

1,125 students have benefitted from the awards, receiving a total of $1,368,580

ENDOWMENT VALUES AT MARCH 31, 2024

BCIT Alumni Association Scholarship and Bursary Endowment (Vancouver Foundation) $810,000

BCIT Alumni Association Scholarship and Bursary Endowment (BCIT Foundation) $435,210

TOTAL: $1,245,210

ALUMNI EVENTS: MAKING AND STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS

This year, the Alumni Association was pleased to offer a combination of virtual and in-person events to give alumni opportunities to connect, learn, and share. From reconnecting with old acquaintances to making new ones, the events offered exciting ways for alumni to engage with each other as well as with industry professionals and students.

Find upcoming events and the latest news by updating your contact information at bcit.ca/alumni/connect

FOURTH-ANNUAL BCIT ALUMNI HOLIDAY MARKET

What began as a way to support local businesses during the pandemic, the BCIT Alumni Holiday Market has continued as a popular virtual offering. With over 20 vendors all run by BCIT alumni, the latest iteration featured products ranging from organic skincare products to Indigenous art, modern home goods, and curated vintage clothing pieces. ∆

LATEST BCIT ALUMNI CROSS THE STAGE AT CONVOCATION

The Alumni Association welcomed 1,750 new members at the Spring 2023 and Winter 2024 ceremonies. With industry keynote speakers Brent Charleton, President and CEO of EnWave Corporation, Susannah Pierce, President and Country Chair of Shell Canada Lt, Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro, Rick Ilich, CEO of Townline Homes, Sarah Clark, President and CEO of Fraser River Pile and Dredge, Rowena Rizzotti, Vice President, Healthcare and Innnovation of Lark Group, joining alumus Ryan Tones, Senior Vice President and District Manager of Kiewit, and Gary Schoenhaar, Corporate Security Manager at FortisBC to address and offer advice, they helped fete the new grads as they join 205,000 alumni around the world. ∆

2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

More than 110 attendees gathered virtually for the 2023 Online Annual General Meeting and special alumni panel presentation, Engage Your Entrepreneurial Mindset featuring Orene Askew, DJ and Change Maker; Olivia Lovenmark, Founder, Duchess Cocktails and Co-founder, Repose; and Ryan Benn, CEO and Group Publisher, Alive Publishing Group Inc. and Canada Wide Media. ∆

ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR SOCIALS

In March, the Fraser Valley Alumni chapter held its first BCIT Alumni Happy Hour Social since the pandemic at Boston Pizza in Surrey. Over 45 alumni came out to the lively event to reconnect, exchange BCIT stories, and learn the latest news from Alumni Ambassador, Jack Davidson and Alumni Association Board Director, Herb Gill. Halfway around the world, Hong Kong Alumni Ambassador, Brad Kirk hosted the Alumni Happy Hour Social at Zoku Restaurant & The Terrace. At both events, alumni had opportunities to receive prizes and gifts to show off their BCIT pride. ∆

DISTINGUISHED AWARDS

The 18th annual Distinguished Awards was held at the Westin Bayshore on November 2, 2023 to celebrate outstanding individuals and their achievements.

BCIT DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Dr. Candy Ho, EdD, CDP (Leadership, 2007)

President, Career Connection Consulting and Career Development Educator and Scholar

Candy is an international award-winning career development educator and scholar whose expertise is recognized globally through keynotes, consulting, and other engagements. Her insights have been featured in prestigious media outlets including BNN Bloomberg, The Globe and Mail, Financial Post, Canadian Business, National Post, Global, and CTV News. As President of Career Connections Consulting, she advises organizations spanning from the K-12 system to not-for-profits and government agencies on how best to infuse career development principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to empower today’s workforce to maximize their potential while supporting broader global needs. Candy is the Chancellor’s Research Chair at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and teaches in KPU’s Educational Studies department and in Douglas College’s Career Development Practitioner Program. She also served as a past-Chair of CERIC, a Canadian charitable organization that advances education and research in career counselling and career development to increase economic and social well-being of Canadians.

Brian Fry (Marketing Management, 1986)

Tech Entrepreneur and Industry Evangelist & Strategic Shareholder, Iris Energy

Brian has played a key role in building BC’s early tech industry for more than 35 years. He was instrumental in building the largest Internet Service Provider in the province, as well as co-founded several successful tech companies including IPWorld, a fiber optic network company, RackForce, which became Canada’s largest cloud provider and leading builder of advanced data centres, and PodTech Innovation, which builds innovative computer data centre infrastructure. He along with business partner Tim Dufour, recently launched Great Plains Ecosystem or GPE.earth which will create a positive impact on the planet by sequestering carbon from biodegradable waste and making it valuable. A pioneer of BC’s tech industry, he also served as Chair of Software BC and Information Technology Association of Canada –BC Chapter and was a board member of the Kootenay Association of Sciences and Technology.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Dr. Judy Shandler (Information Technology Professional, 2000) Faculty, BCIT School of Energy; Retired Senior Business Analyst, BCIT Information Technology Services

Judy has over 40 years’ experience in the post-secondary sector in BC and internationally. She began with BCIT in 1988 teaching AutoCAD part-time and then moved to Vancouver Community College where she taught drafting and ran the “Employment and Education Access for Women” program for two years. After leading the development of and teaching computer-aided design at several women’s polytechnic universities in Mysore, India and then in Peshawar, Pakistan she returned to BCIT where she held numerous roles including Senior Business Analyst in the Information Technology Services department, Performance Development System Coordinator for the FSA Faculty, Specialty Faculty and Tech Staff, and instructor for Flexible Learning courses. In addition, she served as an Associate Director with the Faculty and Staff Association as well as Director on the BCIT’s Board of Governors and the Faculty and Staff Association.

BCIT FACULTY AND STAFF ASSOCIATION

BCIT OUTSTANDING STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD

Samantha Bienias (Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2020)

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Echocardiographer, Guardian Radiology

Samantha completed the Diagnostic Medical Sonography diploma at BCIT in 2020. She graduated with distinction and represented the graduating class as the Winter 2021 Convocation Valedictorian. Samantha was the Student Representative on the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Advisory Committee. She also notably represented students in the School of Health Sciences at the high-profile 2019 Health Sciences Centre groundbreaking ceremony. For her early passion and commitment to the practice of sonography and echocardiography, Sonography Canada awarded Samantha with the 2022 Early Professional Achievement Award.

Barbara James (Trades Discovery for Women, 2006; Carpentry, 2023)

Advocate for Women in Trades & Instructor, BCIT School of Construction and the Environment

A Red Seal Carpenter and part-time faculty in the BCIT School of Construction and the Environment, Barbara James is a champion for women in trades. Barbara, from the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw people in Port Hardy, began teaching at BCIT while still a student herself, teaching high-performance building to students and trainers and participating in instructional videos with Nuxalk youth at BCIT. She was also involved in the Building a Greener Future Together pilot project with the Institute in addition to being a presenter for events, moderating a panel of forestry-sector leaders, and sharing her cultural teachings and protocol for high-profile BCIT events. An active member of the community, Barbara volunteers with various committees including the BC Tradeswomen Society as Vice President, Build TogetHer as Co-Chair, and the BC Centre for Women in the Trades as Regional Representative. She is also a trustee for The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, local 1907, and a delegate to the Carpenters Regional Council. ∆

MAKING HISTORY

Established in 1979, the BCIT Alumni Association was founded to serve its then 12,000 alumni members. Today, there are more than 205,000 alumni working in every sector, making significant contributions to communities in BC, Canada, and across the globe.

1979

BCIT Alumni Association incorporates as a society.

1986

‘Willingdon Club’ is created to give alumni members benefits and discounts, and to help fund Association activities.

2006

The Alumni Association sends a welcome CD-ROM to new graduates.

2004

The Alumni Association celebrates 25 years, as the number of alumni reaches 100,000.

2003

1982

Volunteers produce the first Alumni Association newsletter.

1989

The Alumni Association Endowment Fund is established to support student scholarships and bursaries.

1999

The Alumni Association launches its first website.

1991

The number of BCIT alumni reaches 25,000.

The inaugural BCIT Distinguished Alumni Awards gala is held with 340 guests.

2020

The BCIT Alumni Perks app launches in January, making BCIT the first post-secondary institution in BC to debut an alumni app at the time.

2011

The Alumni Association endowment grows to $1 million, making it the largest endowment supporting BCIT students.

2014

BCIT celebrates 50 years, merging the Distinguished Alumni Awards with its anniversary gala, with 1,300 guests.

2020

The Alumni Association announces the new Fraser Valley Chapter to connect and support BCIT alumni in the Fraser Valley Regional District.

2020

The Alumni Association convenes its first-ever online AGM.

2020

The Alumni Association pledges $1 million towards the INSPIRE Campaign to develop BCIT’s first-ever BCIT Alumni Centre.

2022

The BCIT Alumni Association’s Tea Tasting event wins CCAE Prix d’Excellence Silver Award.

2019

The Alumni Association celebrates 40 years, and launches its first international chapter in Hong Kong. Alumni grow to 185,000 spanning 100 countries across the globe.

2020

The inaugural BCIT Alumni Holiday Market launches.

2021

The BCIT Alumni Association launches its first-ever alumni welcome video.

2023

The Alumni community surpasses 200,000 alumni.

2024

The Alumni Association celebrates 45 years!

ALUMNI STORIES

For the past 60 years, BCIT alumni have been shaping the future of BC and inspiring global progress. They embody who we are and what we do by leading positive change in a complex and demanding world. This year, we highlighted a few who have faced challenges head on and followed their passion.

BCIT ALUMNA LAYLA KHDIR OVERCOMES ALL ODDS TO ACHIEVE DREAMS

While living in Aleppo, Syria, Layla Khdir dreamed of being in broadcast journalism. She practiced performing nightly news shows in front of a mirror in her home which she shared with her mother and younger sisters. Once the war broke out, she had to put those dreams on hold, “The only thing that concerned me was survival”.

The family fled to Cairo, Egypt where Layla studied Broadcast and English. It was there that Layla’s mother was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer. As refugees, they were denied healthcare services, so the family was forced to relocate elsewhere. In 2019, they were welcomed into Canada.

Layla applied to BCIT soon thereafter and was accepted into the Broadcast and Online Journalism program. On top of adjusting to a new country, language, and student life during

the pandemic, she was also caring for her mother, whose cancer was spreading rapidly to her brain.

In 2022, as Layla was getting ready to graduate with distinction, her mother passed away. Although a difficult time, she credits her caring instructors and generous donors for getting her through it. “I wouldn’t have been able to continue my studies without the support I received. I am so thankful.”

Today, Layla is a producer at 630 CHED Edmonton. Despite being thousands of miles away, she hasn’t forgotten her roots and is focussed on her dream in becoming a TV journalist covering stories in the Middle East. ∆

MOLLY HUDSON INSPIRES PROGRESS IN THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY

From a tree planter nearly two decades ago to her role as Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Forester at Mosaic Forest Management, Molly Hudson carved an uncharted path in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

There were few women in leadership roles in forestry when she began her career. “Being the first woman chief forester in our organization’s history has some symbolism to it,” shares Molly, who graduated from BCIT’s Renewable Resources –Forest Ecosystem diploma program (now called Forest and Natural Areas Management diploma program) in 2008.

In her role, Molly is equally passionate about sustainable forestry operations and advancing inclusivity: “Together, with a diverse and performance-oriented team, we’re clearing a path for forestry to evolve in terms of who’s in the industry and who’s making the decisions.” ∆

ALUMNA ERIN RUTHERFORD LOOKS TO INDIGENOUS LAND STEWARDSHIP WITH HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Since her youth Erin Rutherford was drawn to environmental activism, taking part in logging truck blockades and other protests. Now, many years later, her passional has remained steadfast. “It’s a real honour to work with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to achieve their goals of stewardship of the land.”

As the Ecosystem Services Manager for Inlailawatash, an environmental restoration company owned by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Erin works to restore ecosystems and protect valuable species through Indigenous land stewardship in partnership with Indigenous communities. Despite facing challenges such as historic use and possession of land coupled with colonial mindsets and climate change and its effects like wildfires and flooding, she remains committed quoting the Talmud, “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief…You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

Erin is a three-time BCIT alumna with a master’s degree in Ecological Restoration. She attributes her success to the mentorship of BCIT instructors and for the scholarships she received which allowed her to focus on her studies. “I graduated with very high grades. Now, I have a living wage and it’s great…Not everyone like me makes it here. It’s my education that directly allowed me to achieve this.” ∆

BCIT ALUMNUS DIMA GONCHAROV IS ON A MISSION TO FIX US HEALTHCARE DATA

What initially started as an idea to create a multi-milliondollar company with a consumer health app, turned into something much bigger. Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma grad and co-founder of Metriport, Dima Goncharov is dedicated to “fixing the healthcare data mess” in the US.

As developers who have a passion for health and fitness, Dima along with long-time friend Colin Elsinga, planned to create a consumer health app because they felt what was available, was limiting. After launching Metriport, they applied for investment from Y Combinator, an American technology startup accelerator that had launched more than 4,000 companies including Airbnb, DoorDash, and Dropbox. While the investors were not keen on the app, they saw potential with the duo and they were selected to participate in an intense 3-month program aimed at making a better product.

Going back to square one, they explored the realm of health care and found that information was fragmented with patient information spread over several platforms. Their solution? Use open-source software and APIs, allowing the systems to talk to each other to disrupt the existing closed-source which would provide more reliability, transparency, affordability, and reduce the patient onboarding process from weeks to minutes. As a result, they were successful in raising $2.4 million for their business idea.

Today, the company is looking to build upon their success. Instead of building a million-dollar company, now the goal is to offer shares to the public and grow a multi-billion dollar business. ∆

ABOUT THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

VISION

A global community of passionate alumni promoting the excellence of BCIT.

MISSION

To foster alumni success, give back to our BCIT community, and engage alumni for life.

Founded by graduates in 1979, the BCIT Alumni Association is a registered, non-profit society governed by a board of volunteer directors and financed by the Association’s partnerships, revenue-generation programs, and BCIT support. The Association has more than 205,000 members across the globe. All BCIT graduates who have earned a credential of 21 credit hours or more are alumni, and members of the association.

STRATEGIC PLAN HIGHLIGHTS 2019 – 2023

FOUR KEY PRIORITIES:

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT REGIONAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

Increase meaningful engagement for BCIT alumni across key membership segments (Prominent Alumni, Career Climbers, and New Alumni) in four engagement categories:

Volunteerism

Experiential & Events

Communication

With more than 205,000 alumni, and growing, we know that thousands are in other Canadian provinces, and more than 5,500 are located across 110 countries around the world. In addition to our online and Lower Mainland engagement strategies, we endeavour to build regional online and in-person engagement opportunities in the following key markets:

1. Hong Kong

2. Toronto

3. Vancouver Island

4. BC Interior

5. Fraser Valley

PHILANTHROPY & REVENUE GENERATION

The Association generates revenue to fund programs and services for alumni, and to give back to the BCIT community. BCIT has launched the largest campaign in its 50-year history, INSPIRE. The Association aims to be a significant donor to this campaign. Over the term of this plan, we will increase and diversify revenue to enhance alumni programs, and reach our philanthropic goal of making a major, multi-year pledge to the INSPIRE Campaign.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PAST PRESIDENTS CIRCLE

With over 40 years of proud history, the BCIT Alumni Association is sincerely grateful to its Past Presidents for building a strong organization and foundational legacy. Through strategically engaging our Past Presidents and maintaining relationships, we will identify and leverage opportunities to continue to advance our mission. These leaders have extensive knowledge and experience to contribute, as well a vested interest in the success of the Alumni Association and BCIT.

205,000+ total alumni

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

115 volunteering activities 351 acts of giving 6,509 experiential & events 191,173 contactable alumni 107,669 contactable with email

BCIT STATS

Approximately 45,500 students enrolled annually

Approximately 1,800 Indigenous students

Approximately 3,400 international students from 100+ countries

2,700 employees 6 schools 5 campuses 5,019 alumni

ALUMNI * 33,308

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

March 31, 2024, with comparative information for 2023.

Emil Bosnjak, President

BCIT Alumni Association

Reshmeena Lalani, Treasurer

BCIT Alumni Association

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year ended March 31, 2024, with comparative information for 2023.

PARTNERSHIPS AND SPONSORSHIPS

The BCIT Alumni Association is sincerely grateful to our valued partners. These partnerships not only help our alumni members, but also provide an important revenue source to the Alumni Association ensuring we can continue to foster alumni and student success through donations and sponsorships.

AFFINITY PARTNERS

Our three affinity partners provide exclusive deals, special promotions, and preferred rates to benefit our alumni, students, and the BCIT community.

The BMO® BCIT Mastercard® from Bank of Montreal lets you reward yourself with AIR MILES Reward Miles® for cash back on every purchase.

Manulife offers special group rates on a wide range of insurance plans including term life insurance health and dental insurance, income protection, critical illness insurance, travel insurance and more.

PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS

Home insurance and Small Business insurance from TD insurance Meloche Monnex helps BCIT alumni get access to preferred insurance rates on business, home, condo, auto, and tenant coverage.

We are grateful to work with BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, supporting its events showcasing Indigenous BCIT alumni.

We also deeply value our partnership with BCIT Student Association, running career services for alumni and students, a robust alumni-student mentorship program, industry days career fairs, and speaker panel events featuring BCIT alumni.

DIVERSITY CIRCLES

We are pleased to partner with Diversity Circles in support of its events promoting diversity in our community.

BCIT ALMUNI PERKS PARTNERS

Through the BCIT Perks app, the Association is proud to provide our alumni exclusive access to offers, discounts, events, and contests from our valued Alumni Perks Partners. Take advantage of the opportunities by downloading the free app from the App Store or Google Play by searching “BCIT Alumni”.

Alumni Store

NEWS AROUND BCIT

NEW STUDENT HOUSING UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT BCIT

Construction is underway on a new 12-storey mass-timber building that will provide 470 students with affordable on-campus housing at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Burnaby campus. The BC government provided $108.5 million toward the $119.7 million development as part of the province’s Homes for People action to build 12,000 new student beds on campuses in BC to ease pressure on the local rental markets. Once built, it will be the first student housing development at BCIT in 40 years and will more than double the supply of on-campus housing

from the current 329 student beds to 799. The building will be constructed using mass timber and designed to reflect Indigenous culture in the region, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing building is estimated to be completed in spring 2025 and will include studio suites, private rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens, study rooms, common areas and a collaboration space. ∆

BCIT APPOINTS CYNTIA PETRIE AS VICE PRESIDENT, EXTERNAL

BCIT is proud to announce Cynthia Petrie as the Vice President, External to champion the Institute’s vision and mission, providing executive leadership to a broad portfolio of departments including Advancement, Marketing and Communications, Stakeholder Relations, and Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships – whose unified goal it is to enhance the Institute’s profile locally, nationally, and globally. With over a decade of executive-level experience and strategic leadership, Cynthia brings extensive expertise in stakeholder engagement and management in the realm of public affairs and government relations. Prior to this role, Cynthia served as BCIT’s Interim Vice President of External, Executive Director of Stakeholder Relations, as well as various management roles with the Province of British Columbia. ∆

NEW DAYLIT SECTION OF GUICHON CREEK EMERGES FROM BENEATH THE GROUND

What was previously hidden underground, has now been daylit to create a new habit for wildlife and allow salmon to navigate further along Guichon Creek. In early 2023, a sinkhole emerged in the area due to damage to an underground culvert that carries the creek under part of the campus. Faced with the option to either repair the pipe or open up a section of the creek, it was decided that the lowest long-term risk would be to restore a rare habitat while getting rid of aging infrastructure. By December 2023, a new channel had been designed to allow salmon to navigate the new section of the creek and water began flowing. Although much work has been done, improvements will continue to be made over the next few months with landscaping and planting planned to further transform the banks into a richer habitat and student friendly environment. ∆

BCIT LAUNCHES NEW MICROCREDENTIAL SUPPORTING PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN ASEPTIC ENVIRONMENTS

Upholding the Institute’s commitment to building an agile workforce that meets labour market needs, BCIT launched a new Sterile Field and Aseptic Environment (SFAE) microcredential – an innovative program designed to prepare learners with the foundation to work effectively and safely with sterile fields and in aseptic environments. The microcredential is comprised of three laddered badges, each designed to be completed within a 4-week timeframe. These badges focus on foundational concepts, such as Sterility and Aseptic Technique Basics, Safe Practice in the Aseptic Environment, and Minor Sterile Surgical Procedure Knowledge. Additionally, all three badges are based on different practice settings to ensure learners receive a comprehensive education – ranging from personal service establishments to the operating room and ambulatory care units. Delivered in an online, asynchronous format, this microcredential offers flexibility for learners who are working irregular shifts in the healthcare setting, or those who require more accommodation with their schedules. ∆

SHOW YOUR BCIT PRIDE

Your BCIT education sets you apart. Show your pride with high-quality BCIT Alumni-branded items including Moleskin notebooks for important meetings, a 25-oz insulated stainless steel water bottle when you’re on the go, and a high-capacity portable charger so you’re always powered up.

Shop now: alumnistore.bcit.ca

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9 WAYS TO KEEP IN TOUCH

BCIT’s more than 205,000 alumni are proud ambassadors, tackling today’s complex world and developing new solutions to build a better tomorrow. The BCIT Alumni Association fosters alumni success, gives back to BCIT, and connects our global community of passionate alumni.

Stay connected by updating your contact information at bcit.ca/alumni/connect

BE RECOGNIZED by sharing your story or nominating someone for a BCIT award.

ENJOY unique offers and services—download our free BCIT Alumni Perks app from Google Play or the App Store.

HIRE students and alumni to help your organization succeed.

GIVE BACK with any amount to support the Alumni Association and BCIT students.

VOLUNTEER with boards, committees, mentor a student, or be a guest speaker.

GET SOCIAL by following @BCITAlumni on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.

ADVANCE your career by taking workshops and utilizing job search tools.

For more details, visit bcit.ca/alumni

SHOP and show your BCIT pride with BCIT Alumni-branded merchandise.

NETWORK at online or in-person Alumni Association events to grow your connections.