2019-20 BCIT Alumni Association Annual Report

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT  2019/20

Who are we?

We are the focused. The driven.

Those who need to understand.

We are the ambitious. The entrepreneurial.

Those who never stop innovating.

We are the initiators. The uncompromising.

Those who know it can be done sustainably.

We are the relentless. The inspired.

Those who have conquered the complexity.

— THE BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. EDUCATION FOR A COMPLEX WORLD.

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Message from the President of BCIT

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Message from the President of the BCIT Alumni Association

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BCIT Alumni Association Board of Directors

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BCIT Distinguished Awards

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Fraser Valley Chapter

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Hong Kong Chapter

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40th Anniversary

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Strategic Plan Highlights 2019 – 2022

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BCIT by the Numbers

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2019 Annual General Meeting

20 Communications 24

Treasurer’s Report

26 Philanthropy 28

Partnerships and Sponsorships

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Alumni Perks

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9 Ways to Keep in Touch

The British Columbia Institute of Technology is grateful to be located on the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish People.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF BCIT Every year, thousands of hopeful students—filled with aspirations—come to BCIT, ready to learn. And thousands of new graduates—armed with knowledge and skills—complete their programs, ready to change the world.

I have the pleasure of witnessing this ebb and flow, made possible by the transformative power of an applied education.

As all of you, too, will have experienced, 2020 took a surprising and unprecedented turn with the eruption of an international pandemic.

Our students, faculty, and staff embraced the challenges and opportunities of an urgent and sudden pivot to primarily online learning and work with dedication and innovation to keep our community safe. I am proud to say, that despite the significant COVID-19 disruption, BCIT has enjoyed another outstanding year as we continue to prepare students to lead, innovate, and create across every industry sector. Whether in business, computing, health sciences, construction, energy, or transportation, you, our alumni are poised to be the leaders, innovators, and creators we need.

Together, BCIT and the BCIT Alumni Association have always been committed to serving our current and future alumni. This past year, the Alumni Association generously donated $40,000 to fund awards for 40 students in celebration of its 40th anniversary. It also made its largest pledge in its history—a $1 million gift for BCIT’s INSPIRE Campaign. Most recently, the Alumni Association led the way by donating $10,000 to BCIT’s COVID-19 Emergency Student Response Fund to help students who are facing financial hardship due to the pandemic.

On behalf of everyone at BCIT, I want to thank the BCIT Alumni Association for your partnership, leadership, and generosity. You are a testament to the important work we are achieving together.

Kathy Kinloch President British Columbia Institute of Technology

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION When I graduated from BCIT in 1988, it had never occurred to me that I would return more than 30 years later to serve as President of the Alumni Association. What I didn’t know then was how well my education would serve me in every aspect of my life in the years ahead.

Looking back now, no matter the challenge—whether personal or professional—I realize BCIT showed me what I needed to succeed: innovative problem-solving, steady perseverance, and a community of like-minded people.

I am proud to call myself a BCIT alumnus, alongside 190,000 of you working in every sector across the globe. Every day, as our ambassadors, you show the world what a BCIT education can do.

This annual report reflects on the Association’s many milestones this past 2019/20 fiscal year and the work we’ve achieved fostering alumni success, giving back to the BCIT community, and engaging alumni for life. We proudly celebrated our 40th anniversary throughout 2019, we donated $40,000 in entrance awards for current students, and we kicked off 2020 with a $1 million pledge for BCIT’s INSPIRE Campaign. Most recently, the Alumni Association made a $10,000 gift to BCIT’s COVID-19 Emergency Student Response Fund providing aid to students who are suddenly faced with financial challenges. We encourage you to consider making a gift if you are able.

In the final two weeks of the past fiscal year, the world changed dramatically with COVID-19. In challenging times like this, BCIT alumni are critical, in roles including frontline healthcare professionals, manufacturers, technologists, and technicians. As alumni, we have the unique ability to solve problems, persevere, and come together as a community. I think it is what we do best.

And I’m honoured to be doing it standing, ‘shoulder to shoulder,’ with each of you as we work together for better days ahead.

On behalf of the board, I sincerely thank BCIT and our partners for their ongoing support of the Alumni Association and our alumni around the world.

You inspire us all.

Emil Bosnjak , Marketing Management ‘88 President BCIT Alumni Association

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BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

PRESIDENT EMIL BOSNJAK

VICE PRESIDENT JENNIFER PATTERSON

VICE PRESIDENT KIEL LANDRIGAN cim, cfp

PRESIDENT & CEO, BWIRELESS & SIMPLIFY WIRELESS

PRINCIPAL/PROJECT MANAGER, CITYSCAPE MANAGEMENT LTD.

VICE PRESIDENT, PORTFOLIO MANAGER & INVESTMENT ADVISOR, TD WEALTH

TREASURER RESHMEENA LALANI cpa ca

CHAIR, GOVERNANCE ALEXANDRA GUNN

CHAIR, ENGAGEMENT MATTHEW NOLLETTI

CEO, INHERENT DIAMONDS & JEWELS MANAGER, AGGRESSIVE TAX PLANNING, CANADA REVENUE AGENCY

MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES & ADMINISTRATION, UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER, PELESYS LEARNING SYSTEMS INC.

DIRECTOR MELISSA BILLESBERGER cpa , cga

DIRECTOR AVINAASH KAPIL

DIRECTOR STEVEN PALFREY

CONTROLLER, MR. MIKES RESTAURANTS CORP.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, ISLAND KEY COMPUTER LTD.

VICE PRESIDENT, EXTERNAL, BCIT STUDENT ASSOCIATION

DIRECTOR SEAN POOLE

DIRECTOR ARASH SALAMATI

EX-OFFICIO LESLIE COURCHESNE

DIRECTOR, VESSEL OPERATIONS, SEASPAN MARINE

DISTRICT MANAGER, BC DIVISION, TANGERINE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Our sincere thanks to the alumni volunteering as Members-at-Large on board committees this year: Tim den Engelsen, Jared Fedosoff, Kevin Liu, Ardis Nelson, Bob Ostle, Gerry Townsend, and Anne Marie Webb-Hughes. We also thank BCIT Alumni Relations Assistant Francis Loaisiga-Ramirez, for her wonderful support to the board.

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BCIT DISTINGUISHED AWARDS The BCIT Alumni Association proudly partnered with BCIT on the marquee Distinguished Awards gala held October 22, 2019. Nearly 1,000 guests joined us at the Vancouver Convention Centre to celebrate our six honorees. For more information and videos, visit bcit.ca/alumni/awards

Vancouver Convention Centre

“I’ve hired a lot of BCIT graduates. I’ve been impressed by not only their job-readiness, but also their ability to be resourceful and to get the job done.”

CAROL LEE

HONORARY DOCTORATE Chair, Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, CEO & Co-founder, Linacare Cosmetherapy Inc.

With longstanding family ties to Chinatown, Carol Lee is strongly committed to the revitalization of the area and is the Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, Chair of Vancouver Chinatown Revitalization Committee, and Honorary Patron of the Chinese Canadian Military Museum. She serves on several other boards and organizations including the Harvard Business School Canadian Advisory Board, the Faculty Advisory Board of Sauder Business School, the Leadership Council of the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, and Governor General David Johnston’s Rideau Hall Foundation. She is also a member of federal Finance Minister Morneau’s Advisory Council on Economic Growth.

“ One of the most important attributes a young person can have is to be curious. Ask questions.

Understand. Learn. But it’s how you apply it that matters.”

CLIVE BEDDOE

HONORARY DOCTORATE Chairman, WestJet

Clive Beddoe is a founding shareholder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of WestJet airlines. He has been instrumental in making WestJet one of the most successful airlines in recent aviation history. His keen business acumen has shaped the development of WestJet’s corporate culture, executive team, and strategy. Clive has received numerous awards including the 2008 Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year from the University of Victoria and the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Youth Business Federation. He was inducted into the Marketing Hall of Legends, the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, the Calgary Business Hall of Fame, and Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame.

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BCIT DISTINGUISHED AWARDS

“When you work in cybersecurity, you have to team up because cybercrime has no borders. You need to build new frameworks, work collaboratively, and build trust to be able to innovate… It all comes back to [what I learned at] BCIT.” DEREK MANKY

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENT Chief, Security Insights & Global Threat Alliances, Fortinet Derek Manky graduated in 2003 from BCIT’s Computer Systems Technology – Data Communication Systems diploma program. As Chief, Security Insights and Global Threats Alliances at Fortinet, Derek formulates security strategy in the global fight against cybercrime. He provides thought leadership to industry, presenting research and strategy at security conferences worldwide; plays a strategic and visionary role as a consultant to CSOs/CISOs of Fortune 500 companies; and liaises with political figures and policy stakeholders, including law enforcement, on the future of cybersecurity. Derek also received CRN’s ‘Security Superstar’ award. He is an advisory board member of INSEC WORLD and has served on BCIT’s Computer Systems Technology Program Advisory Council since 2011.

“[To have] the ability to influence change in the world and to develop methods to ensure that food production, medications, and anything that people are using or consuming are safe—it’s fulfilling to see the impact.”

JAMIE FINLEY

FACULTY AND STAFF ASSOCIATION DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD Research Assistant, Natural Health and Food Products Research Group, BCIT

Jamie Finley graduated in 2003 from BCIT’s Biotechnology diploma program and in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of British Columbia. He is a Research Assistant with the Natural Health and Food Products Research Group (NRG) in Applied Research at BCIT. He is one of NRG’s specialists in fermentation, identification of micro-organisms, and microbial load criteria for agricultural products. Jamie’s contributions to BCIT—as a researcher, a Faculty and Staff Association member, and an advocate for a more inclusive environment for all—are rooted not only in his commitment to the institute’s applied model but also in his experience as a student and staff person who is Deaf.

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20

BCIT DISTINGUISHED AWARDS

“At BCIT, there is such a dependency on each other.

There is no hero, no one person who wins or loses.

You win and lose as a team. That’s a transformative skill when you walk into the workforce.”

KATIE KLUMPER DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD Principal, Deloitte Digital & HEAT Katie Klumper graduated in 2004 from BCIT’s Marketing Management – Communications diploma program. As Principal of Deloitte Digital and HEAT, she has guided clients through some of their most innovative marketing initiatives.

Some of her clients have included BMW, Red Robin, and Samsung. Katie is an active member of the equality movement, designing programs for women to excel to c-suite positions. She has been recognized by the AdWeek 50 as one of the top 50 most indispensable marketing, media, and tech executives; named a 40 Under 40 recipient by Direct Marketing News; and recognized as an AWNY Game Changer.

“My instructors at BCIT were so supportive. I had a lot of opportunities to grow but I also had to work hard for those opportunities. When those two things click together, it’s magic.”

MICHELLE WAN

OUTSTANDING STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD Software Developer, Elastic Path Michelle Wan graduated with distinction from BCIT’s Computer Systems Technology – Cloud Computing diploma program in 2019. As a high-achieving student, valedictorian nominee, and student leader, she exemplified BCIT’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Michelle had also brought national acclaim and media attention to her work and to BCIT. She presented her innovative individual and student group work—including the Alexa Lab Simulation which received widespread interest for its ability to help nurses work more effectively—across Canada, as well as at prominent industry events.

Michelle was offered a job three months prior to graduation. She is now a Software Developer with Elastic Path.

Please join us at BCIT’s next Distinguished Awards gala in 2021.

For more information, and to nominate candidates, visit bcit.ca/awards 9

Pitt Meadows Airport

THE FRASER VALLEY CHAPTER TAKES FLIGHT On March 5, 2020, the BCIT Alumni Association (BCITAA) launched the BCIT Fraser Valley Alumni Chapter, appointing alumnus Jack Davidson of Mission as its Fraser Valley Alumni Ambassador. The chapter aims to connect alumni and enhance BCIT’s activities in the region, located just east of Metro Vancouver.

“We selected the Fraser Valley to launch our first official alumni chapter in Canada,” said BCITAA President Emil Bosnjak. “With thousands of our alumni living and working in this beautiful and booming region, we look forward to increasing our activity here. Our alumni greatly contribute to every sector of the Fraser Valley economy.”

More than 6,500 BCIT alumni live and work in the Fraser Valley and surrounding area, which is among the fastestgrowing regions in British Columbia.

“As the third most populous region of the province, the Fraser Valley is an important market for BCIT and the BCIT Alumni Association,” said BCIT Vice President, Advancement, Paul McCullough. “We are pleased to establish this new presence in the valley, to foster opportunities as well as advance partnerships and wider institutional activities here.”

“Congratulations to the BCIT Alumni Association on the launch of its Fraser Valley chapter,” said BCIT alumna Sandy Blue, Councillor, City of Abbotsford. “As a proud graduate of BCIT,

I applaud this chapter and look forward to the opportunities it will bring for BCIT alumni and businesses here in Abbotsford and our neighbouring communities. BCIT is a renowned leader in the post-secondary landscape, and we welcome this new initiative in the valley.”

BCIT Fraser Valley Alumni Ambassador Jack Davidson will lead the chapter. A 1969 graduate of BCIT’s Operations Management program, Jack is a Past President and CEO of the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, and Past Chair of the BCIT Board of Governors.

“This is a very exciting time of growth for the Fraser Valley and for BCIT,” said Jack. “I look forward to building the chapter, and leveraging the expertise I have in business development and strategy to provide opportunities. And to our graduates, you belong to a global community of successful alumni who are passionate about BCIT. Take advantage of that.”

The ribbon-cutting was held at Airside Events, on the grounds of the Abbotsford International Airport, with alumni representatives from Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Langley, Mission, and Pitt Meadows.

For more information about the BCIT Alumni Association’s Fraser Valley Alumni Chapter, visit bcit.ca/fraservalley

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Cutting the ribbon L to R: Leslie Courchesne, BCIT Alumni Association; Greg Paulsen, Cascade Aerospace Inc.; Bharathi Sandhu, Raymond James Ltd.; Jack Davidson, BCIT Fraser Valley Alumni Ambassador; Sandy Blue, Councillor, City of Abbotsford; Paul McCullough, BCIT; Carly Wethersett, ShearForce Equipment and Work Truck West; Parm Sidhu, Abbotsford International Airport; Manpreet Dhillon, VEZA Global.

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ALUMNI HONG KONG

Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

NEW HONG KONG AMBASSADOR MAKES A BIG IMPACT IN ASIA Find a way, make a way. When facing challenges, Brad Kirk said he always comes back to this saying in tough times.

As a leader in the hotel industry, Brad has successfully navigated crises including the overthrow of the Indonesian Suharto government in 1998, the 2002 Bali bombings, and the 2019 protests in Hong Kong. Today, during the COVID-19 crisis, he continues to ‘find a way, make a way’ by leading his teams with focus and a steady hand, and keeping his guests and employees safe.

“Teams look to their leaders to give them hope and the spirit to fight another day in what they perceive as insurmountable odds,” said the Hong Kong-based Chief Operating Officer of the Harilela Hotels Group. “We must tackle our challenges together.”

It is this exemplary leadership that has catapulted Brad— a BCIT Hotel and Tourism Management alumnus and 2017 BCIT Distinguished Alumni Award recipient—to success in the ultra-competitive hotel business in Asia. It is also why the BCIT Alumni Association is proud to announce Brad as the new alumni ambassador for its Hong Kong chapter.

“We are pleased to welcome Brad as our new alumni ambassador in Hong Kong,” said BCIT Alumni Association President Emil Bosnjak. “Building on the good work the Alumni Association has already begun in the region, Brad will help BCIT and the BCIT Alumni Association identify opportunities and gain traction for alumni engagement and wider institutional activities.”

A Hotel and Tourism Management grad, Brad said the intensity of the BCIT program gave him a work ethic that was the foundation for his success in hospitality.

Before moving to Hong Kong in 1988, Brad had heard from friends that the hotel business in the region was exciting.

He planned to stay for just a couple of years. Still energized by the vast opportunities of the region, he has yet to leave.

“Hong Kong is an amazing place to work,” Brad said. “If you work hard and smart, you can make great things happen.”

Rubbing elbows with colleagues who have degrees from Ivy League schools, Brad says his BCIT education gave him an advantage, arming him with tangible skills that enabled him to hit the ground running upon graduation and then to climb the ranks in the hotel industry in Asia.

“I’m excited to be the Hong Kong ambassador for the BCIT Alumni Association,” said Brad, who is taking over the role from BCIT alumnus Darren Plested, whose career has moved him back to Canada. “BCIT offers amazing programs.

I’m looking forward to helping to increase the awareness of BCIT as a great school that produces industry-ready graduates who have tangible skillsets and can keep up with the breakneck speed of business in Asia.”

Launched in January 2019, the BCIT Alumni Association’s Hong Kong Chapter is the Association’s first international chapter, connecting alumni and supporting BCIT’s extensive activities in the region. Learn more about the Hong Kong chapter at bcit.ca/hongkong

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New BCIT Hong Kong Alumni Ambassador Brad Kirk (left) with BCIT Alumni Association President Emil Bosnjak, in Hong Kong, 2019.

We extend our sincere appreciation to BCIT alumnus Darren Plested, who served as our first BCIT Hong Kong Alumni Ambassador through to November 2019.

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BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 40TH ANNIVERSARY In 1979, 15 years after BCIT first opened its doors, the BCIT Alumni Association (BCITAA) was founded to serve its 12,000 members. Today, there are more than 190,000 BCIT alumni worldwide making significant contributions in applied and natural sciences, business, computing and information technology, trades, engineering, and health sciences.

“BCIT alumni and the BCIT Alumni Association have so much to be proud of,” said Anne Marie Webb-Hughes, Past President 1980-81 and Co-founder of the BCIT Alumni Association. “In 1979, three of us got together in a cubbyhole office on campus to found the Association, and from there it grew. Today, there are so many reasons to stay connected— from networking opportunities, to international executive field schools and mentoring current students. As a BCIT graduate, you belong to a passionate and vibrant global community of alumni.”

To help mark this milestone year, the BCITAA made a $40,000 donation for 40 BCIT students to receive a special $1,000 BCIT Alumni Association 40th Anniversary Entrance Award (see page 27 for a list of award recipients). These awards complement the more than 30 annual awards and bursaries

1979 BCIT Alumni Association incorporates as a society.

that the Alumni Association gives to students from its two endowments. To date, the association has donated a total of $1.5 million to BCIT, helping nearly 1,000 students over the years. These donations align with the association’s mission to foster alumni success, give back to the BCIT community, and engage alumni for life.

“I am extremely honoured to have received the BCIT Alumni Association Award,” wrote award recipient Alysha Bacus in a thank-you card. “It will help me realize my aspiration of becoming a Watch-Keep Mate and building a career onboard ships. One day, I hope to become a Master Mariner, something that this award will help me achieve.” Alysha is a BCIT Nautical Sciences student who spent her Grade 12 year studying aboard a Tall Ship before attending BCIT. To view historical photos, yearbooks, and event photos, and to browse commemorative memorabilia, including the 40th anniversary collectors’ milestone pin, please visit bcit.ca/alumni/40

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1986 ‘Willingdon Club’ is created to give alumni members benefits and discounts, and to help fund association activities.

1982 Volunteers produce the first Alumni Association newsletter.

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20

1991 The number of BCIT alumni reaches 25,000.

1989 The Alumni Association Endowment Fund is established to support student scholarships and bursaries.

Cutting the cake L to R: BCIT Alumni Association President Emil Bosnjak; Past President ’80 – ’ 81 Anne Marie Webb-Hughes; Past President ’16 – ’ 18 Elena Romero; and Past President ’90 – ’ 91 Gerry Townsend.

1999 The Alumni Association launches its first website.

2014 BCIT celebrates 50 years, merging the Distinguished Alumni Awards with its anniversary gala, with 1,300 guests.

2004 The Alumni Association celebrates 25 years, as the number of alumni reaches 100,000.

2003 The inaugural BCIT Distinguished Alumni Awards gala is held with 340 guests.

2006 The Alumni Association sends a welcome CD-ROM to new graduates.

2011 The Alumni Association endowment grows to $1 million, making it the largest endowment supporting BCIT students.

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.

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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 190,000 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 – 2022 FOUR KEY PRIORITIES:

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

REGIONAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

PHILANTHROPY & REVENUE GENERATION

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PAST PRESIDENTS CIRCLE

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

With 190,000 alumni and growing, we know that thousands are in other Canadian provinces, and at least 5,500 are located across 90+ 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:

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.

With 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.

1. Volunteerism 2. Experiential & Events 3. Philanthropic Giving 4. Communication

1. Hong Kong 2. Toronto 3. Vancouver Island 4. BC Interior 5. Fraser Valley

For more information, visit bcit.ca/alumni BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20

BCIT BY THE NUMBERS 2019/20

190,000

ALUMNI IN CANADA Total alumni

159,000 ON

AB

3,500 2,000 3,000

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

59

volunteers

Others

56

philanthropic giving

1,200

experiential & events BC

150,000

166,000

78,000

Contactable alumni

Contactable with email

GLOBAL ALUMNI* Nearly 50,000 students enrolled annually

5,500 2500

Close to

1,700

2 ,500 China

2000

Indigenous students

1500

1 ,250 United States

1000

4,000 international students from 100+ countries 2,400

employees

6

schools

5

campuses

0

1000

2000

564 South 3000 4000Korea5000

500

0

Including alumni located in more than 100 countries worldwide.

*

ALUMNI IMPACT SINCE ASSOCIATION INCEPTION

4,700

Alumni donors

$5.1 M

Total philanthropic giving

$2.59 M

Alumni personal giving

$1.5 M

BCIT Alumni Association philanthropic giving

Source: BCIT Institutional Research and BCIT Advancement, 2019/20

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6000

Alumnus Kevin Lawrence gives keynote at the BCIT Alumni Association 2019 Annual General Meeting.

BCIT ALUMNUS, COACH, AND AUTHOR KEVIN LAWRENCE SHARES KEY HABITS OF HIGH-ACHIEVING LEADERS 2019 BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AGM To be a leader in the 21st century, you need to be agile, collaborative, and tenacious. BCIT alumni are all these things, leading teams, organizations, and industries as they tackle some of the world’s biggest problems.

“In leadership, pressures can force you to learn, grow, and evolve,” said Kevin Lawrence, a strategic advisor, coach to CEOs and BCIT alumnus, who was the guest speaker at BCIT Alumni Association’s 2019 Annual General Meeting. “But…the more responsibility you take, the bigger the challenge is.”

Citing high-profile celebrities (Elvis, Michael Jackson, and Kate Spade) who burned out while seemingly at the top of their game, he encouraged AGM attendees to guard themselves against the same fate, sharing his 17 habits of high-achieving leaders, as outlined in his book Your Oxygen Mask First.

In closing, Kevin left the audience with a quote from Hunter S. Thompson: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!’”

The keynote address inspired the more than 170 BCIT alumni, faculty, and staff who attended the AGM at BCIT’s Downtown Campus on May 28, 2019.

Special thanks to our generous event sponsor, Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC), and our Affinity Partners TD Insurance, iA Financial Group, and BMO

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“You need to be consciously selfish to be sustainably generous,” emphasized Kevin, who explained that leaders must take care of themselves first so that they can take better care of work, life, and family.

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Jillian Harris, BCIT alumna

COMMUNICATIONS Stories Worth Telling Our alumni are everywhere—leading change, creating solutions, and inspiring communities along the way. This past year, we proudly shared their success stories through our quarterly e-newsletter, online through the BCIT News blog, on the BCIT Alumni website, and via our social media channels. Our alumni stories are among the top-performing news being shared by BCIT—proving our graduates are doing amazing things and people want to know about them. Read all the full stories at bcit.ca/news

JILLIAN HARRIS TURNED REJECTION INTO A CAREER THAT’S BEYOND HER WILDEST DREAMS For Jillian Harris, interior design was a side hustle in the beginning. In between shifts as a salesperson and a server, she freelanced as a design consultant taking on small jobs when she could. When the co-owner of Cactus Club Café Scott Morison heard about her consulting business, he hired her to help design his restaurants. For inexperienced Jillian, it was a dream job—until she got fired.

“I was extremely humbled,” she says, admitting that without any formal training, she didn’t know what she was doing. “I felt so defeated but I knew I had to keep going.”

That’s when she chose to complete the Interior Design certificate program at BCIT. She says the experience not only taught her how to bring her creativity to fruition, it also prepared her for the many challenges ahead as she went on to successfully juggle several roles including interior designer, TV personality with Love It or List It Vancouver, and lifestyle influencer

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POLITICS TO PLANES: HOW THIS AIRPORT OPERATIONS ALUMNUS CHANGED HIS FLIGHT PATH MID-CAREER In 2015, Kenneth Lieblich found himself suddenly unemployed. In his early 40s, he had established a decades-long career in public policy and government— a career that supported his wife and their four children (two of whom have special needs) and paid his Vancouver mortgage.

“I panicked,” he recalls. “The organization that I worked with had a financial meltdown and let a bunch of people go. And I didn’t have any immediate job prospects.”

Kenneth took a chance and decided to return to his childhood passion of airplanes and airports and enrolled in BCIT’s Airport Operations diploma program.

He graduated in 2019, landing his dream job with YVR before graduating and earning many scholarships and awards along the way

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COMMUNICATIONS

WHETHER IT’S IN CONSTRUCTION OR FOR ALUMNI, BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S NEWEST VP JENNIFER PATTERSON IS CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE It was lunchtime in the late ‘80s. Jennifer Patterson and her friends hurried from their high school to her house to watch a much-anticipated wedding episode of The Young and the Restless. Transfixed by the soap opera, her friends huddled on the floor in front of the TV. And Jennifer? She was off to the side, completely focused on power-drilling her chair.

“The chair was wobbly and it was bothering me,” laughs Jennifer, Building Technology BCIT alumna. “My friends were howling.”

Rolling up her sleeves and making things better comes naturally to Jennifer. In fact, she’s built a successful career in the construction industry on this very trait. Today, she is the Co-founder of Cityscape Management Ltd., which specializes in construction management, strata maintenance and repairs, commercial tenant improvements, and residential construction and renovations. She’s the BCIT Alumni Association’s newest Vice President

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ADVOCATING FOR PROGRESS AND INCLUSIVITY: INDIGENOUS COUNCILLOR AND BCIT ALUMNA ORENE ASKEW IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE “My being at this table is a really big deal,” says Orene Askew, BCIT Radio Arts and Entertainment alumna and DJ. “I mean, someone like me—a mixed black and Indigenous two-spirited woman—sitting here.”

She’s talking about the 18-ft, honey-coloured cedar table, hand-carved by Indigenous artist Xwalacktunn (Rick Harry). It’s where the elected 16 Squamish Nation council members convene to make decisions on how to protect and grow their community.

In 2017, Orene was elected to the council and proudly sits at this table with other leaders to help shape the future of the nation, including approving the $3-billion Sen̓áḵw housing project, and installing the first rainbow crosswalk in West Vancouver. She is also the first-ever Squamish Nation member to be named grand marshal of the Vancouver Pride Parade

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BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20

COMMUNICATIONS

Fostering a Community of Engagement When students complete their studies at BCIT and make the transition to alumni, they instantly become members of the BCIT Alumni Association family.

Upon graduation each year, BCIT’s approximately 5,000 new alumni receive a welcome email from the BCITAA, letting them know the Alumni Association is here to support them throughout their career journey. We stay connected with35them through social media and our quarterly e-newsletter, sharing alumni stories, Alumni Association news, opportunities to grow their networks and for 30 professional development, contests, events, alumni perks, and more.

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COMMUNICATION STATS AT A GLANCE APRIL 1, 2019 – MARCH 31, 2020

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ALUMNI STORIES

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EMAIL OPEN RATE SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWER GROWTH

40 35 30 25 20 15

36%

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OPEN RATE 12x/year welcome email to

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new alumni 10

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2,588 followers

+35 %

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OPEN RATE 4x/year alumni e-news to

77K+ alumni

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION March 31, 2020, with comparative information for 2019.

2020 2019

ASSETS Cash on Hand

Petty Cash

General Account Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expenses Investments TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

$–

$–

346,785 400,467 13,734 3,234 7,632 2,523 – – $368,150 $406,224

$5,609 $7,257

INTERNALLY RESTRICTED

100,000 176,000

UNRESTRICTED

262,541 222,967

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

Emil Bosnjak, President BCIT Alumni Association

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20

$368,150 $406,224

Reshmeena Lalani, Treasurer BCIT Alumni Association

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Year ended March 31, 2020, with comparative information for 2019.

2020 2019

REVENUE Affinity Programs

$180,050 $144,613

Alumni myBCIT cards

1,960 6,145

Merchandising (convocation flowers, etc.)

1,500 1,734

Event Revenue (ticket sales, auction proceeds, sponsorship)

1,624 3,000

Interest

9,212 8,156

TOTAL REVENUE

$194,346 $163,647

EXPENSES Board of Directors

Board/Committee Meetings (including AGM)

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

Donations

Legal and Professional Services

22,141

19,705

2,740

2,475

100,000

42,500

13,667

1,039

Special Events

Distinguished Alumni Awards

22,500

20,000

Sponsorship and External Participation

36,043

38,083

Merchandise Supplies

1,082

1,233

Marketing and Communications

3,315

3,100

29,319

7,199

General and Administrative TOTAL EXPENSES

$230,807 $135,334

SURPLUS

($36,461) $28,313

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BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GIVES BACK Philanthropy In 1985, the BCIT Alumni Association made its first donation to BCIT. Since then, we have awarded nearly 1,000 student scholarships and bursaries totalling $1.1 million, and our philanthropic giving totals a phenomenal $1.5 million.

This year has been a historic one for the BCIT Alumni Association’s philanthropy. Our donation of $40,000 to mark our 40th anniversary was disbursed to 40 students as special $1,000 entrance awards. And, we were very proud to pledge the largest single gift in our history: $1 million to BCIT’s INSPIRE Campaign.

Through our new INSPIRE Campaign pledge, our two endowments, and our Legacy of Leadership gift, the Alumni Association is proud to continue our partnership with the BCIT Foundation to support BCIT and BCIT students.

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20

STUDENT AWARDS DISBURSED ON BEHALF OF THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN 2019/20 70 awards totalling $94,384 were disbursed as follows:

JUNE 2019 – GRADUATING AWARDS BCIT Alumni Association Awards John Agapeyev, School of Computing and Academic Studies Louisa Whyte, School of Construction and the Environment Peter Enns, School of Health Sciences Terence Calderbank, School of Energy Xin Zhang, School of Business

Riley Smith, Nuclear Medicine Ruby Dionisio, Architectural and Building Technology Yulan Yin, International Business Management BCIT Alumni Association Entrance Awards Aygun Ibrahimova, Honours in Biotechnology Emma Fetterer, Medical Radiography Lucy MacDonald, Business Administration Matthew Miller, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Meghan Marshall, Honours in Biotechnology

JANUARY 2020 – ENTRANCE AWARDS

OCTOBER 2019 – DISTINGUISHED AWARDS GALA

BCIT Alumni Association 40th Anniversary Entrance Awards Alfred Ko, Technical Web Designer Andrea Lee, Medical Laboratory Science Andrea Passmore, Medical Laboratory Science Garnett Goodacre, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Kieran MacCarron, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology

Outstanding Student Leadership Award Michelle Wan, Computer Systems Technology

BCIT Alumni Association Entrance Award Samantha Reimer, Medical Laboratory Science

NOVEMBER 2019 – ENTRANCE AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

MARCH 2020 – BURSARIES

BCIT Alumni Association 40th Anniversary Entrance Awards Aaron Au, Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering Alyssa Wardley, Geographic Information Systems Anthony Van Hulsen, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering Brooke McCarthy, Radio Arts and Entertainment Caitlin Barnes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Cameron Bates, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Clarissa San Andres, Architectural and Building Technology Drenrew Diaz, 3D Modeling, Art and Animation Dylan Brackett, Technology Support Professional Erica Ye, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Haley Ensor, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Harry Kim, Accounting Ivan Vaganov, Computer Systems Technology Jackson Burgess, Computer Information Technology Janelle Kwok, Computer Systems Technology Kaetha Broermann, Finance Kathryn Nundal, Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Kent Brian Claudio, Computer Systems Technology Kerri Godkin, Biomedical Engineering Technology Kyla Hrdlitschka, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Kyle Hermann, Computer Systems Technology Leonardo Mejia, Architectural and Building Technology Lucas McKinnon, Accounting Mahsa Soleimani dahaj, Architectural and Building Technology Neil Thomas, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering Ryan Williamson, Mechanical Engineering Technology Sofia Bildstein, Business Operations Management Sonia Yu, Bachelor of Architectural Science Swati Manandhar, Architectural and Building Technology Tanya Fuchs, Business Operations Management Tanzeel Danekari, Mechanical Engineering Technology Trevor Thirsk, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering Wilson Lin, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Wing Yin Lee, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Zackery Carpenter, Marketing Management

BCIT Alumni Association Bursaries Bursaries were awarded to 12 students in financial need.

BCIT Alumni Association Awards Alysha Bacus, Nautical Sciences Hee Jim Moon, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Quan-Huy Ma, Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems

AWARD AND BURSARY TOTALS SINCE INCEPTION Since the endowments have been funded,

954 students have benefitted from the awards, receiving a total of $1,112,940.

ENDOWMENT VALUES AT MARCH 31, 2020 BCIT Alumni Association Scholarship and Bursary Endowment (Vancouver Foundation)

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

$423,676 TOTAL: $1,233,676 27

A shared moment at the Honouring Our Leaders ceremony.

PARTNERSHIPS & SPONSORSHIPS Thank you The BCIT Alumni Association is proud to partner with organizations to enhance opportunities for our growing alumni base.

We appreciate our sponsorship of the ASTTBC’s AGM and awards luncheon and new Schmoozapalooza event, and their reciprocal sponsorship of our key events.

We continued our leading sponsorship of BCIT’s marquee event, the Distinguished Awards gala.

We also greatly appreciate BCIT’s in-kind contribution supporting some of our key overhead and operational costs.

We are pleased to partner with BCIT on a national sponsorship of MacKay CEO Forums, as part of our engagement strategy with prominent alumni.

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

EVENT SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM In addition, the BCIT Alumni Association’s event sponsorship program supported 17 events throughout the year, providing valuable engagement opportunities for alumni, students, and industry partners. Join us! For event information, visit bcit.ca/alumni/events

AFFINITY PARTNERS We are sincerely grateful to our affinity partners. These partnerships help our alumni members and provide an important revenue source to the Alumni Association, ensuring we can continue to foster alumni and student success through donations and sponsorships. Our four affinity partners provide exclusive deals, special promotions, and preferred rates to benefit our alumni, students, and the BCIT community.

BMO® BCIT Mastercard® from Bank of Montreal – Reward yourself with 1 AIR MILES®† reward mile for every $20 spent or 1.0% CashBack® and pay no annual fee.

Life, Health, Critical Illness and Disability Insurance from iA Financial Group offers a variety of flexible, customizable insurance plans to ensure you and your family have the financial resources to recover after a serious illness, accident, or death.

This new partnership offers eligible BCIT trades apprenticeship students financial support to bridge the gap between being accepted at BCIT and the start of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

Home insurance from TD Insurance Meloche Monnex offers preferred insurance rates, other discounts and great protection that is easily adapted to your changing needs.

For more information, visit bcit.ca/alumni/enjoy 29

BEING A BCIT ALUM HAS ITS PERKS

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20

ANNOUNCING THE NEW BCIT ALUMNI PERKS APP Driving in to Sparkling Hill Resort for your impromptu weekend getaway in your luxury Avis rental car, you realize the temperature is warmer than you’d thought. It’s not a big deal though because you have packed several new outfits from Mark’s and are ready for any type of weather. No, you’re not yet a billionaire with bottomless resources. You’re a BCIT alum with the BCIT Alumni Perks app.

In January 2020, the BCIT Alumni Association was pleased to announce the launch of the BCIT Alumni Perks app.

Exclusively for BCIT graduates, the app gives alumni direct access to offers, discounts, news, events, and contests from BCIT and partner businesses. The best part? It’s completely free to download.

“We’re thrilled to be the first post-secondary in BC to offer an alumni app,” said Leslie Courchesne, Executive Director of the BCIT Alumni Association. “It’s an excellent way for us to stay in touch with our alumni, and give them special offers right at their fingertips, no matter where they are.”

The app includes a personalized digital BCIT Alumni ID card, replacing the BCIT Alumni Association’s plastic-card program.

And revenue from the Perks partners funds alumni programs, student scholarships and bursaries, and other donations to BCIT—so alumni can feel great about using it.

Alumni can enjoy the offers in the BCIT Alumni Perks app, from a growing list of partners including:

∆ AVIS Car Rental ∆ Bank of Montreal – BMO® BCIT MasterCard® ∆ BCIT Alumni Store ∆ BCIT School of Business + Media ∆ Budget Car Rental ∆ Fresh Prep ∆ iA Financial Group ∆ Mark’s

∆ NEKSA ∆ Payworks ∆ Prospera Credit Union ∆ Royal Ontario Museum ∆ Sparkling Hill Resort ∆ TD Insurance ∆ Vancouver Canucks

The app also gives alumni access to benefits at BCIT:

∆ ∆ ∆

Discounted admission to BCIT Recreation Services (gym) Access to the BCIT Library (physical materials only; online databases are not included) An annual $100 credit towards a BCIT Part-time Studies course

SIGNING UP IS EASY!

1 2 3

Download the app (search “BCIT Alumni Perks”) from the Google Play Store or the App Store.

Sign up.

Confirm your registration when you receive an email from us (within two business days after you signed up), and start enjoying the benefits!

Learn more about BCIT Alumni Perks at bcit.ca/alumni/enjoy, or contact BCIT Alumni Relations to become a Perks Partner business.

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— BCIT PRIDE SHOW EVERYONE WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF. Check out our online store for BCIT Alumni-branded items including socks, mugs, water bottles, clothing, and stationery.

Shop now: alumnistore.bcit.ca

Get 20% off your entire order!

At checkout, use promo code BCITALUMNI Limit: One use per customer.

9 WAYS TO KEEP IN TOUCH BCIT’s 190,000 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. We’d love to stay in touch with you.

Update your contact information at bcit.ca/alumni/connect

NETWORK at Alumni Association events and online to grow your connections.

HIRE students and alumni to help your organization succeed.

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

ADVANCE your career with workshops and job search tools.

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

GET SOCIAL and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn (search ‘BCIT alumni’).

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

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

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

For more details, visit bcit.ca/alumni

— KEEP IN TOUCH. ENJOY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS. 604.432.8847 1.877.432.8847 alumni@bcit.ca bcit.ca/alumni

— THE BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. EDUCATION FOR A COMPLEX WORLD.