Impact of Giving The
donor Report 2012–2013
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
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Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.
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– William Butler Yeats
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
The Impact of Giving VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP.......................................................................................... 4 Our Message to You.............................................................................................. 5 Legacy of leadershIp ........................................................................................... 6 environmental discoveries and designs........................................................... 7 can a piece of lab equipment influence the direction of cancer research?..................................................................10 supporting future tech professionals...........................................................14 library staff love bcit students......................................................................16 Performance report.......................................................................................... 18 Impact today and influence tomorrow........................................................... 19
On the cover: Roza Bidshahri, BCIT Diploma in Biotechnology ‘06 graduate, currently a PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering. 3
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
Volunteer Leadership BCIT Foundation Advisory Board
external Directors
Anibal Valente
Julia Cameron*
Adam Pion*
Chair, Foundation Advisory Board Vice President PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
President, BCIT Alumni Association Senior Account Manager Edelman Vancouver
Dan Mott*
Michael McPhie
Chair, Investment Committee Portfolio Manager, PionMatifat Professional Portfolio Management ScotiaMcLeod
President Mott Electric
President and CEO Curis Resources
Don Kasian
Peter Blake*
President Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.
CEO Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers
Don Kayne*
Chair, BCIT Board of Governors Senior Vice President Marketing and Business Development Vancouver Airport Authority
President and CEO Canfor Corporation
Jim Logan*
Tony Gugliotta
Anthony Barke Treasurer Chair, Audit Committee Partner, Audit Deloitte & Touche LLP
Richard Rudderham Executive Vice President and Head of Human Resources BMO Financial Group
Executive Vice President and CFO Ledcor Construction Limited
council of governors
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David Podmore
Joan Harrison
Chairman and CEO Concert Properties Ltd. and Concert Real Estate Corporation
Principal Human Resources Services
Dr. G. Wynne Powell*
CEO Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, BC/Yukon Region
President and CEO London Drugs Ltd.
Wendy Slavin
*Proud BCIT Alumnus
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
Our Message to You This year, over 5,000 students graduated from BCIT, joining the more than 145,000 alumni already working in jobs that impact the daily lives of British Columbians. BCIT graduates build our homes, workplaces, schools and hospitals; they build and run our transport, power and communication networks; and they help diagnose illness and provide vital medical care. Every day, BCIT graduates are touching the lives of British Columbians — helping to make our community a better place to live.
Anibal Valente Chair, Foundation Advisory Board
As BCIT celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014, we renew our promise to students, employers and British Columbians to provide high quality education and training opportunities that lead to rewarding careers. We also remain committed to responding to emerging employment needs through innovative programs that reflect the changing workplace and the increasing demands of a global economy. As a BCIT donor, you can be proud of the accomplishments and reputation of our graduates. Through your donations to new equipment and teaching aids, scholarships and bursaries, priority research and student resources, you are directly ensuring BCIT students graduate with skills that equip them to be successful in a rapidly changing world. A gift to BCIT is a gift to British Columbia that will ensure our province continues to be one of the best places in the world to live and work. Thank you for your continued support.
Chris Golding Acting President British Columbia Institute of Technology
Pommashea Noel-Bentley Vice President, External Relations CEO, BCIT Foundation and Alumni Association British Columbia Institute of Technology
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BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
Legacy of Leadership in 2014, BCIT will celebrate 50 years of providing training and education in British Columbia. At that time, over 150,000 BCIT graduates will have positively impacted the economic, social, and environmental prosperity of our province. Employers look to BCIT to provide industry programs that are current, relevant, and practical so that graduates can achieve career success in the workplace.
“The requirements for most awards are based on academic standings,” explained Caroline. “However, there are many great students who don’t get straight A’s. In our society, we often focus too much on grades. It’s a myth that B students don’t work hard. They deserve help too, and have so much to offer. It’s a shame if they can’t complete their studies due to financial obstacles.”
The Legacy of Leadership Campaign provides BCIT’s past and present staff, student and volunteer leaders the opportunity to contribute financially to support the institution’s goals and to help students gain the knowledge and skills required to address the issues of today and the future. Since its inception in 2012, BCIT leaders have pledged over $1.9 million towards the Legacy of Leadership Bursary Fund.
Students frequently face the challenge of juggling full-time studies, part-time jobs, and increasing education and living costs. School costs can be even more of a challenge for students with children, especially single parents.
Donations for student support are investments not only in students, their education, and their dreams, but also in their families and the wider community. “When you award a bursary to students, you are making an investment in their future — and in my case, the future of my children,” said Nancy Ricard, nursing graduate and recipient of a BCIT Bursary. Having pledged $125,000 towards the campaign, the BCIT Student Association is keen to support this important initiative. “When BCIT leaders give back, it proves they have the students’ best interests at heart,” said Caroline Gagnon, BCIT Student Association director. “It shows that they believe in the vision and values of BCIT.” Facing higher tuition than previous generations, students consistently report that finances are the main obstacle to program completion. This year, the Legacy of Leadership Bursary Fund provided 65 bursaries, valued at over $89,000 in total. The bursaries are non-repayable awards granted to full-time students who demonstrate that they have exhausted all other financial options. 6
Having successfully raised close to $2 million for bursaries, the Legacy of Leadership Campaign will now also raise funds for other institutional priorities. In a time where change and progress move quickly, it is important that BCIT responds to critical needs and seizes emerging opportunities as they arise. Giving to the area of greatest need helps ensure the investment will have the largest and longest-term impact on the lives of students. “The goal of the Legacy of Leadership Campaign is to realize the support of all past, present, and future leaders within the BCIT community,” Caroline added. “Such participation is a strong statement of passion, commitment, and belief in BCIT students and the critical role BCIT plays in British Columbia. It’s exciting to imagine where the next 50 years will take BCIT students, graduates, and the community.” l
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
Environmental Discoveries and Designs Through the generosity of both the Real Estate Foundation of BC and BC Housing, BCIT has established a $1-million endowment to advance sustainability innovations that are linked to curriculum improvement. Each year, School of Construction and the Environment faculty and staff submit funding applications for inventive projects that benefit students and society. “We value research,” said Karen Hemmingson, director of Research and Corporate Planning at BC Housing. “We’re investing in the future. Students can help us shape the environment and, generally, they have fewer constraints about what’s not possible. Students have more freedom, enthusiasm, and creativity to investigate different options.” Jack Wong, CEO of the Real Estate Foundation of BC, agrees. “We want to be proactive. Working with organizations like BCIT, we can discover more sustainable practices. New generations aren’t entrenched in old beliefs. BCIT students are ready to take advantage of new technology, new strategies, and new attitudes.” In May 2012, the fund’s advisory committee approved four research projects, including the integrated staircase lift design and the BCIT Green Street Living Lab. “We invested in focused projects that can get off the ground and provide real impact,” Jack said.
The Green Value Strategies in Development Applied Research Endowment supports applied research in the School of Construction and the Environment. This endowment supports sustainable development and environmental stewardship, housing and habitat technologies, natural resource management, building science, and construction management. 7
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
BCIT Green Street: A Living Lab on Campus
Integrated Staircase Lift Design
The BCIT Green Street is a multi-phase project that started by transforming a parking lot into a living lab. Students replaced a section of the asphalt-paved surface with pervious concrete to reduce strain on the stormwater drainage system by allowing rainwater to “percolate” into the ground.
$25,000 was granted towards the development of an integrated staircase lift design, because a large portion of the general population has significant trouble with stairs. This includes children, mothers with strollers, the elderly, and those with a disability.
“Oil, antifreeze, and other pollutants run off into streams,” said Jack. “The goal of this project is to use permeable concrete as a filter.” Increased urbanization of residential and commercial neighbourhoods has altered the natural water balance to the extent that storm water management has become a concern for cities and municipalities. In a “built” environment (with a significant amount of impervious surfaces and the integration of curb and gutter systems) storm water reaches water bodies — such as streams, rivers and lakes — much faster and in greater volume than in natural conditions, and it carries more pollutants. The construction of BCIT’s first Green Street project engages students in interactive learning to help improve the environment.
Current marketplace accessibility solutions for the home have several drawbacks, most notably usability and safety reliability. The staircase lift greatly decreases the time it takes an occupant to rise to a second level, as well as potentially offering powerless or low-power operation capabilities. “It’s incredible!” said Jack. “It’s physics! It works like a seesaw. One person can operate it with one hand. Plus, it looks like a normal set of stairs. The traditional ramp takes up a lot of space, but this new innovative approach greatly reduces the footprint.” “We are looking to support projects and incorporate designs that will positively impact tenants and homeowners in British Columbia,” added Karen. “A home adaptation for the staircase lift design is something that could make it to market.” l
“The living lab creates an entirely different learning environment,” Jack said. “Students aren’t sitting in a classroom with overhead projectors. The world has changed and we have to change too.” “These aren’t academic studies,” Karen added. “Students are making changes on the ground and evaluating the outcomes. This research has a big impact because it’s practical. We’re impressed with the quality of work.” As industry pioneers, BC Housing and the Real Estate Foundation of BC are committed to sustainable education and green solutions for the province of British Columbia. The endowment they co-established will remain with BCIT in perpetuity. “We value our collaborative relationships with BCIT and the Real Estate Foundation of BC,” said Karen. “We’re able to do more in partnership.”
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Left: Dr. Jaimie Borisoff Canada Research Chair in Rehabilitation Engineering Design, BCIT Faculty of Applied Research Right: Dan Leland Research Associate, BCIT Faculty of Applied Research
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
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bcIt foUndAtIon donor report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
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The biotech lab was a key part of my training. None of what I’m doing today or in the future would have been possible without the biotech degree.
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BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
Can a Piece of Lab Equipment Influence the Direction of Cancer Research? When it comes to training our province’s future scientists and healthcare providers, maintaining a leading-edge laboratory environment is crucial in helping them to develop hands-on, job-ready technical experience. Donations to fund state-of-the-art equipment purchases not only contribute to student learning and success, but also to the future of health care in British Columbia. Keeping up with changing technologies and modern industry advancements can be a challenge for post-secondary institutions — particularly in the fields of science and medicine, engineering, information technology, and trades and apprenticeships. Support from donors enables BCIT students to learn on the latest industry equipment, which allows them to immediately begin making a difference upon entering the workforce.
Keith Beedie, chairman and CEO of Beedie Development Group, is a proud Burnaby resident whose philanthropic focus is centred on supporting health, education, and safety-based projects locally and around the world. His contributions toward healthcare-related capital equipment purchases have had a major impact on both student learning and patient care. “I want to help people and make it easier on patients,” said Keith. “Betty and I get a lot of pleasure out of giving back.”
Recently, the BCIT biotechnology laboratory was in need of an equipment upgrade. Through the generous support of the Keith and Betty Beedie Foundation, the Lohn Foundation and London Drugs, the Biotechnology program was able to replace its 25-year-old incubators with newer, more efficient models. These modern stackable incubators, which are used to grow microbial cultures, allow the program to create more room for other student research because they require less floor space.
Drop a pebble into water and you will see the ripples spread far beyond the initial splash. The same is true when donating in support of BCIT schools. Gifts that create opportunities to enhance the learning experience at BCIT not only benefit the students — they also impact the people, communities, and industries that our graduates touch throughout their lifetimes. 11
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
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BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
BCIT Grad Developing Breakthrough Cancer Research The BC Cancer Agency reports that one in three British Columbians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. It’s a frightening statistic, but BCIT biotechnology graduates like Roza Bidshahri are currently developing advanced early cancer detection methods using biomarkers in human blood. The breakthrough clinical tests — which will be used at the BC Cancer Agency in the near future — will lead to improved prevention strategies and increased cancer survival rates. “The biotech lab was a key part of my training,” said Roza, who completed the Bachelor of Science, Honours in Biotechnology and is now finishing her PhD. “It was the place I was first introduced to various laboratory techniques in biomedical engineering.” Interested in genetics from a young age, Roza says she has always wanted to help people and, at just 18 years old, moved on her own to Vancouver from Dubai. “I moved for science,” she said. “During my first week here in Canada, I learned about BCIT and knew I’d found the right program. I wanted hands-on experience and exposure to different career options. BCIT’s biotech program was one of the few science degrees that allowed me to apply to the biomed graduate program at UBC. It has allowed me to develop and engineer new diagnostics and technologies for improved disease detection and prevention, which is what I’m passionate about. None of what I’m doing today or in the future would have been possible without the biotech degree.” l
BCIT graduates are working hard to make a difference in health care — not only for today, but also for the future. From pioneering lifesaving pharmaceutical breakthroughs to creating innovative diagnostic tools and treatment methods for cancer and other life-altering diseases, our grads play an increasingly significant role in the lives and health of people in British Columbia, Canada, and the world.
Left: Roza Bidshahri
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BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
Supporting Future Technology Professionals ASTTBC — an association with over 10,000 technical professional members — has formed a long-term partnership with BCIT, donating over $105,000 in scholarships and sponsorships. “We have an extraordinary relationship with BCIT,” said John Leech, executive director of ASTTBC. “BCIT is the leading provider of technology education in the province. Grads will never have difficulty finding good careers. Once you’re connected to BCIT, that connection will stay with you for life.”
have an extraordinary “ Werelationship with BCIT! ”
John speaks from experience. He is a BCIT graduate himself and has many fond memories of the school. “BCIT is a foundation for one’s future career. It’s a major building block.” John is thankful to the BCIT leaders, instructors, and fellow students who helped him develop and grow many years ago. That’s why he continues to give back. Through scholarships and awards donated by ASTTBC,
he hopes recipients will also take away the notion of helping young people in the future. “It’s about passing it along,” he said. “We’re part of a professional technology community. Our support impacts others.” ASTTBC helps regulate credentials and promote technology education and careers. Since 44 percent of members are BCIT graduates, ASTTBC and BCIT share common interests. Together, both organizations enhance awareness of careers that rely on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programming. “We work collaboratively on many initiatives,” said Paul Dangerfield, vice president of Education at BCIT. “The partnership enables our graduates to find work in their field. Additionally, ASTTBC provides in-kind and financial support to many of our programs for a wide variety of student initiatives.” Paul welcomes other organizations to get involved with BCIT. “BCIT has an excellent connection with industry and business and the professional associations that support them,” he said. “We would be pleased to collaborate and work with organizations that want to improve the student experience and enhance relevancy of programs.” l
Left: John Leech, AScT, CAE Executive Director, ASTTBC
ASTTBC members work in technical roles in fields such as engineering, architecture, surveying, biosciences, forestry, allied health, and resource or systems management. 14
Middle: Rajesh Reddy, AScT, TSOS Traffic Signal Specialist, City of Surrey BCIT Surveying Land Survey option grad ’87 Right: Taylor Spraggs Traffic Engineering Assistant, City of Surrey BCIT Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology ’12
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
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BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
Library Staff Love BCIT Students Contrary to age-old stereotypes, you won’t find stern shushes, raised eyebrows, or uptight uniformity at the BCIT Library. This popular work, learn, and study site provides an inclusive, collaborative environment where students are treated as clients. “We know how challenging it is to be a BCIT student,” said David Pepper, director of Library Services. “Our goal is to make student life easier.” Offering innovative student resources and study solutions, Library Services is crucial to the core mandate of teaching, learning, and researching. From lounge chairs and vending machines to online bookings, extended-access computer facilities, and study rooms, staff are always adapting to push the boundaries and upgrade services. Mei Young, operations manager, Library Services and Student Services, has proudly worked with the library team for 34 years. With a commitment to continually meet the needs of students, in 2010, she approached David with the idea to raise money for a staff-funded scholarship award. David agreed and promised to match the funds raised. The campaign has since been a great success. To date, the library staff have presented five student achievement awards to BCIT students.
“We’re happy to do it!” said Mei. “It’s great to see how even small donations can make a big difference when combined with others. By donating to support student awards, we’re able to provide our hard-working students with financial support when they need it most.” Library Services Staff Award recipients like Michael White are deeply grateful for the support. “Every time I’ve been to the library, they’ve been extremely helpful,” said the mechatronics and robotics student. “It did surprise me to learn that library staff donated their own money, and I was heartened to see that amount of dedication.” The award has inspired Michael to work even harder. “I definitely feel more a part of the BCIT community after receiving the award.” “When employees donate, it sends a strong message to students that we care and, more importantly, that we believe in them,” David added. “It’s very easy. There’s no downside and it’s a great team-building exercise.” l
Left: Michael White BCIT Mechatronics and Robotics student
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Right: Mei Young Operations Manager Library Services and Student Services
bcIt foUndAtIon donor report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
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It’s great to see how even small donations can make a big difference.
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$28,581 DESIGNATED GIFTS
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
$193,045
$72,095
$95,719
EVENTS
UNDESIGNATED GIFTS
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT
STUDENT AWARDS
ENDOWMENTS
INVESTMENT INCOME
Performance Report UNDESIGNATED GIFTS $167,814
Cash and Pledges Total $5,691,607
DESIGNATED GIFTS $221,626 STUDENT AWARDS $743,720
GIFTS IN KIND $2,067,835
ENDOWMENTS $1,037,893
INVESTMENT INCOME $1,452,719
Growth of Endowed Funds (in millions)
$20.2
2013
$19.6
2012
$17.3
2011 2010 2009 18 18
$16.7 $15.5
GIFTS IN KIND
BCIT Foundation donor Report 2012–13 The Impact of Giving
Impact Today and Influence Tomorrow BCIT is at the forefront of applied teaching and learning — producing more job-ready graduates than any other institute in the province. Your donations help elevate the educational experience at BCIT ensuring students graduate with the right skills and experience needed to establish rewarding careers. With your support we can: Respond to emerging trends in education and the workplace by funding new initiatives that support student learning.
About the Foundation The BCIT Foundation secures gifts that support BCIT schools in creating opportunities and enhancing the learning experience of our students. We are grateful to have ongoing support from a generous community of donors that include industry partners, individuals, alumni, faculty and staff, and even BCIT students. In 2012–2013, the BCIT Foundation generated income of $5.7 million, and its endowed fund portfolio grew to $20.2 million.
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Respond to changing technologies and industry advancements by improving the quality of equipment.
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Increase access to education by donating to scholarships and bursaries that provide support to students in financial need, and that recognize academic achievement.
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BCIT is one of the largest postsecondary institutions in British Columbia, producing highly skilled graduates through certificate, diploma, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs in six schools across five campuses in the Lower Mainland.
To find out how you can make a difference and to learn more about giving to BCIT, please call 604.432.8803.
RECOGNIZING OUR DONORS BCIT thanks all of our donors who gave so generously between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. Your gifts make a significant impact on the lives of students, their families, and to the quality of teaching and learning at BCIT. If you would like to receive a copy of the Honour Roll by email, please contact us at 604.432.8803 or foundation@bcit.ca
Students describe their BCIT experience as exciting and intense. Employers consistently report that our educational model prepares graduates with teambuilding and problem-solving skills that empower them to be fully ready on their first day of employment.
For more information, visit
bcit.ca/foundation 19
BCIT FOUNDATION 3700 WILLINGDON AVENUE BURNABY BC, V5G 3H2 t 604.432.8803 W bcit.ca/foundation E foundation@bcit.ca