2022/23 BCIT Alumni Association Annual Report

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BCIT

ALUMNI ARE EVERYWHERE.

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

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam).

(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

It has been an historic year of transformation at BCIT. We opened the stateof-the-art Health Sciences Centre, announced exciting development plans for new trades buildings in the Trades and Technology Complex, and unveiled the Beedie Plaza, a new landmark gateway welcoming alumni, students, and visitors to the Burnaby campus.

On behalf of BCIT, I want to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who made these milestones possible, including our generous donors and dedicated BCIT faculty and staff, many of whom are proud alumni.

As BCIT alumni, you are making a positive impact everywhere—in BC, across Canada, and around the globe. You are entrepreneurs who have turned a spark of an idea into a bright success; leaders who are dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace; and highly skilled specialists who are challenging the status quo in their fields and setting new standards.

As our graduating students join our community of more than 200,000 alumni, they also become the Institute’s strongest champions. Through their successes and contributions of time, talent, and treasure, they influence future students to choose BCIT, motivate current students to continue striving for their dreams, and inspire other alumni to give back to the Institute.

Thanks to the extraordinary work of the BCIT Alumni Association, our connections to our BCIT alumni grow by the thousands every year.

On behalf of BCIT faculty and staff, I want to thank the dedicated Board of Directors and the Alumni Relations team for nurturing these long-term relationships with our valued alumni. And to our alumni, thank you for making us proud.

Finally, as Interim President, I have had the pleasure of leading the Institute during a period of transition after the retirement of former President Kathy Kinloch in 2022. Please join me and the BCIT Board of Governors in warmly welcoming Dr. Jeff Zabudsky to BCIT as the Institute’s next President—and newest champion alongside our alumni—in July 2023.

Paul McCullough Interim President British Columbia Institute of Technology

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

After the new Health Sciences Centre opened, I had the pleasure of touring this healthcare education hub with the Alumni Association Board of Directors. We watched a birthing simulation, experienced electroneurophysiology brainwave testing, and participated in a simulated resuscitation exercise. These demonstrations gave us a glimpse of what today’s health sciences students, and future alumni, will experience at BCIT and bring to the workforce upon graduation.

Powered by passion, we as graduates share a foundation of a future-proof education from BCIT. It is why I have always said that my BCIT education has stood the test of time. Since graduating from the Marketing Management program 35 years ago, I have built three successful national businesses and, like so many other companies, have hired countless BCIT grads for their agility, innovation, and tenacity. Without a doubt, BCIT alumni are a critical catalyst for addressing today’s dynamic challenges.

In this annual report, we are proud to share some of the many ways our community of more than 200,000 alumni are making a positive impact. I invite you to read these pages with pride, and hope you see yourself reflected in these stories.

This past year, in response to increasing food insecurity among students, the BCIT Alumni Association donated $4,800 to the BCIT Student Association’s Food Pantry to support learners in need. In November, more than 370 alumni shared written messages of encouragement to current students through the BCIT Foundation’s Caring Cards campaign for National Philanthropy Day. We successfully launched our third-annual BCIT Alumni Holiday Market, which saw the return of many past alumni-owned businesses and welcomed new ones. During BCIT Foundation’s holiday fundraising campiagn, alumni—who comprised 63 per cent of all donors—generously donated to support students in need. For the first time in more than two years, we welcomed our newest alumni at in-person convocation ceremonies. Additionally, our endowments funded more than $54,000 in entrance awards, scholarships, and graduating school awards that were disbursed to 32 current students.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our sincerest gratitude for the many supporters who make this work possible. Thank you to BCIT Interim President Paul McCullough for your leadership. To all of you in our amazing, generous alumni community, thank you for showing the world what we are made of.

The Alumni Association looks forward to continuing to support you on your career journeys.

Emil Bosnjak , Marketing Management ‘88 President BCIT Alumni Association

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD AND AMBASSADORS

PRESIDENT EMIL BOSNJAK

PRESIDENT & CEO, BWIRELESS & SIMPLIFY WIRELESS

VICE PRESIDENT

JENNIFER PATTERSON

PRINCIPAL/PROJECT MANAGER, CITYSCAPE MANAGEMENT LTD

SECRETARY/TREASURER

RESHMEENA LALANI CPA, CA

CEO, INHERENT DIAMONDS & JEWELS | SECTION MANAGER, HIGH COMPLEXITY AUDIT, CANADA REVENUE AGENCY

DIRECTOR

HERB GILL CPA, CGA

PRESIDENT, CIMS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

CHAIR, ENGAGEMENT

AMANDA GOMES P.ENG

PROJECT MANAGER, INDUSTRIAL, OMICRON

DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA GUNN

PROGRAM OFFICER, WOMEN AND GENDER EQUALITY CANADA

CHAIR, GOVERNANCE

SEAN POOLE

SENIOR DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS, SEASPAN MARINE

DIRECTOR

MICHELLE WARD

SENIOR DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, CANFOR

BCIT STUDENT ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT’S DESIGNATE

NOLAN NORDWALL

VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL, BCIT STUDENT ASSOCIATION

FRASER VALLEY ALUMNI AMBASSADOR

JACK DAVIDSON

FORMER CHAIR, BCIT BOARD OF GOVERNORS

HONG KONG ALUMNI AMBASSADOR

BRAD KIRK

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, HARILELA HOTELS GROUP

Our deepest gratitude to BCIT Alumni Relations Assistant Francis Loaisiga-Ramirez for her outstanding support to the board, and to the Alumni Relations, Advancement Communications, and Advancement Services teams for their exceptional work.

Interested in volunteering for the BCIT Alumni Association Board of Directors? Contact us: alumni@bcit.ca

ALUMNI GIVE BACK: LEADING WITH GENEROSITY

This past year, the Alumni Association was proud to support current students and future BCIT alumni through awards, scholarships, and bursaries. In partnership with BCIT Foundation, we have awarded 1,090 student scholarships and bursaries totalling more than nearly $1.48 million since 1985.

While BCIT alumni are well known as leaders in their fields, they are also generous supporters. Whether giving of their time, talent, or treasure, our alumni shared without hesitation to help current students on their educational journeys. From sharing encouragement to donating to support student awards, our alumni are leaders in philanthropy.

Learn about how you can support BCIT students: bcit.ca/alumni/give

ALUMNI SHARE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT WITH BCIT STUDENTS

When BCIT alumni learned that they could give current students a much-needed boost, they stepped up. In November 2022, the alumni community was asked to share their personal messages of encouragement with students through the Caring Cards campaign. The purpose of the initiative was to remind students that, despite the challenges they may be facing, they are not alone and people are cheering for them. BCIT alumni sent in more than 370 messages, which were personally distributed by BCIT Alumni Relations and Foundation staff to students on National Philanthropy Day.

“The Caring Cards were well received by students, who seemed genuinely surprised and appreciative,” says Laura Vail, Senior Director, BCIT Student Success. “Many expressed such sincere gratitude, with some gathering to compare and discuss their messages.” ∆

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DONATES $4.8K TO HELP FEED BCIT STUDENTS

While food insecurity is something that no one should have to face, it is a sad reality for many students. According to the BCIT Student Association (BCITSA), post-secondary students in Canada are especially vulnerable, with more than 50 per cent of international and domestic students experiencing average-to-extreme levels of food insecurity. To help, the BCIT Alumni Association donated $4,800 to the BCITSA’s Food Pantry, which gives students access to free nutritional food items on a drop-in basis. This sponsorship provides the equivalent of approximately $400 in groceries every month for an entire year.

“Studying is difficult enough; studying while hungry is often insurmountable,” says alum and BCIT Alumni Association Director Reshmeena Lalani. “The Food Pantry directly supports students in their education, and the Alumni Association wanted to be able to support that with this donation.” ∆

STUDENT AWARDS DISBURSED ON BEHALF OF THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN 2022/23

In 2022/23, 32 awards totalling $54,732 were disbursed as follows:

JUNE 2022 – GRADUATING AWARDS

The BCIT Alumni Association Awards

Thi Thanh Thao Vu, International Business Management

Sean Clayton, International Business Management

Kelsey Winters, Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Lucas Hall, Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

SEPTEMBER 2022 – ENTRANCE AWARDS

The BCIT Alumni Association Entrance Awards

Patricia Jiang, Digital Design and Development

Margarita Khomchyk, Architectural and Building Technology

Jarrett Lee, Prosthetics and Orthotics

Jacob McCormick, Television and Video Production

Nicole Piner, Diagnostic Medical Sonography

– General & Cardiac Sonography Option

FALL 2022 – SCHOLARSHIPS

The BCIT Alumni Association Scholarships

Daniel Mah, Business Operations Management

Sally Kai Lam Poon, Comp Systems – Pr edictive Analytics

Linden McCallum, Geomatics Engineering Technology

Lee Schmeisser, Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Mairead Raupach, Diagnostic Medical Sonography

– General & Cardiac Sonography Option

Kara Perehudoff, Nautical Sciences

JANUARY 2023 – ENTRANCE AWARDS

The BCIT Alumni Association Entrance Award

Alea Mclaren, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Category E (Electronics)

MARCH 2023 – BURSARIES

The BCIT Alumni Association Bursaries

Bursaries were awarded to 16 students in financial need. ∆

AWARD AND BURSARY TOTALS SINCE ASSOCIATION INCEPTION

1,090 students have benefitted from the awards, receiving a total of $1,487,733.

ENDOWMENT VALUES

AT MARCH 31, 2023

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

BCIT Alumni Association Scholarship and Bursary Endowment (BCIT Foundation) $432,460

TOTAL: $1,242,460

ALUMNI EVENTS: CREATING AND STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS

As more activities began to take place in late 2022, the BCIT Alumni Association was pleased to host or support several events that brought hundreds of alumni together. Whether in-person or virtual, these opportunities allowed us to increase awareness about the Association and the benefits of being an alum, as well as build connections with BCIT graduates spanning different decades and sectors.

Make sure you always get the latest about alumni events. Update your contact info: bcit.ca/alumni/connect

SCHMOOZAPALOOZA 2023

As in previous years, the BCIT Alumni Association sponsored Schmoozapalooza, an annual event organized by the BCIT Marketing Association. The in-person component allowed students and industry professionals, many of whom are alum, to participate in speed networking and mingle. The event also featured an online session comprised of a panel of seven BCIT alumni, who shared their career paths. In total, Schmoozapalooza saw more than 300 attendees. ∆

BC SCI-CON 2022

The BCIT Alumni Association sponsored the first-ever joint conference between the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) and the BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA). Held in Penticton, BC, BC SCI-CON 2022 brought together guests including BCIT alum, partners, and stakeholders to network and share knowledge, resources, and ideas on ways to better manage the environment. ∆

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

2022 AGM

Approximately 150 attendees joined the online 2022 Alumni Association Annual General Meeting (AGM). The event featured guest speaker BCIT alumna Manpreet Dhillon, Founder and CEO of Veza Global and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Through her inspirational chat with Alumni Association President Emil Bosnjak, she tackled the topic of creating systemic change to address institutionalized inequalities, and the need for representation from the communities being served. ∆

QDS HACKS 2023

GREATER VANCOUVER BOARD OF TRADE GOLF TOURNAMENT

In July 2022, the BCIT Alumni Association greeted pro and amateur golfers alike at its sponsored hole at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Pro-Am Golf Tournament. BCIT Interim President Paul McCullough, BCIT Alumni Association President Emil Bosnjak, and past BCITAA President Brent Charleton represented BCIT alumni well as they played the course in a foursome with one of the pro golfers. The event included several networking opportunities at the post-golf dinner and awards program. ∆

Bringing students together with alumni, QDS Hacks 2023 is the BCIT Student Association’s experiential learning event bridging students from multiple disciplines. As students learned the practical applications of creating insight from data, they also built relationships with industry sponsors as well as alumni. The BCIT Alumni Association was proud to sponsor this second annual event, which welcomed a total of 100 participants, including BCIT students, students from other post-secondary institutions, and BCIT alumni. ∆

(l-r) BCIT Alumni Association Past President and President and CEO of EnWave Corporation Brent Charleton; alumna and President and CEO of Environmental Operators Certification Program Kalpna Solanki; and BCIT Alumni Association President and President and CEO of BWireless and Simplify Wireless Emil Bosnjak.

Manpreet Dhillon, Founder and CEO of Veza Global and BCIT alumna

2022 BCIT ALUMNI HOLIDAY MARKET: BOOSTING ALUMNI-OWNED BUSINESSES

The third-annual BCIT Alumni Holiday Market welcomed its widest range of alumni-owned businesses on its online shop. Showcasing and supporting alumni-owned businesses, the market promoted special discounts and offers of 23 vendors from November 1 to December 31—just in time for the holiday gift-giving season. The market featured products and services in categories including health and wellness, specialty beverages, sustainability, Indigenous gifts, fashion, digital marketing, home décor, children’s book and puzzles, and dog care.

Interested in participating in the Holiday Market? Contact us: alumni@bcit.ca

2022 BCIT ALUMNI HOLIDAY MARKET BUSINESSES

Butzi Kids

Cherryberry Creatives

Coupe Beverages (Duchess)

Eggman Comics

Free Lion Body Care

Good Boy Collective

Hip & Happy Boutique

Ivan Chan Photography

JJ DeLights

Lipani Skincare

Mariner Brewing Inc.

Mila + Paige

Monday Glow Candle Co.

Partopia Digital

Projects by Maria Riverdog Adventures

Shop First Nations

Simon’s Soapbox

Starfish Coaching TheBag.ca

The World of Kidtropolis

Vellum Wellness

WOASH Wellness

CONVOCATION: WELCOMING OUR NEWEST ALUMNI IN PERSON

It was all smiles at BCIT’s first in-person convocation ceremonies in more than two years. The BCIT Alumni Association team welcomed a total of nearly 2,200 of our newest graduates to the alumni family at the Spring 2022 and Winter 2023 Convocation ceremonies.

Congratulating the graduating students at the ceremonies, the Alumni Association Board of Directors shared their enthusiasm. They encouraged them to stay connected to their community of more than 200,000 alumni and reminded them that the Association is committed to their career success.

Graduates were inspired by several alumni speakers. BCIT alumna Manpreet Dhillon, Founder and Principal Inclusion Officer of Veza Global, and past BCIT Alumni Association Director shared her advice to “enjoy the journey.” Valedictorian and Computing graduate Nolan Nordwall, who is also the BCIT Student Association President’s Designate to the Alumni Association Board of Directors, encouraged his fellow graduates to “focus on the small improvements you can make every day… as you build yourself into the kind of person who achieves things, the achievements will come naturally.”

During the spring 2022 convocation week, Dr. Indira V. Samaresekera, O.C., received the Institute’s highest honour,

the BCIT Honorary Doctor of Technology, and shared: “Taking risks is fundamental in achieving excellence. Without it, we cannot push boundaries. As you leave today, reflect on these high principles: risk more, care more, dream more, and expect more, and your reward will be extraordinary.”

Throughout the celebrations, the Alumni Association engaged with the new grads in several unique and memorable ways. All new graduates received a BCIT Alumni pin and a pair of BCIT Alumni-branded dotted socks. The Alumni Relations team of volunteers greeted all the graduates and their loved ones with complimentary BCIT Alumni-branded chocolates and limited-edition stickers that proclaimed, “Future BCIT Alum,” “Proud BCIT Alum,” “Loved One of a BCIT Alum,” and “Proud Parent of a BCIT Alum”. Additionally, the celebration promoted the BCIT Alumni Perks app through contests and was amplified on social media. ∆

(clockwise) 2022 BCIT Honorary Doctor of Technology recipient Dr. Indira V. Samarasekera; 96-year-old BCIT alumnus Erwen with graduating granddaughter; BCIT Alumni stickers

MAKING HISTORY

Established in 1979, the BCIT Alumni Association was founded to serve its then 12,000 alumni members. Today, there are more than 200,000 alumni working in every sector, making significant contributions to communities in BC, Canada, and across the globe.

2004

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

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.

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.

2003

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

1991

The number of BCIT alumni reaches 25,000.

2020

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

2006

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

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.

2020

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

2020

The Alumni Association convenes its first-ever online AGM.

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

2022

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

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.

TELLING THE ALUMNI STORY

BCIT alumni are everywhere. They may have created that favourite sparkling cocktail you sipped at brunch on the weekend. They may have designed the roller coaster your family enjoyed on vacation last summer. Or they could be behind the sustainably constructed building you admire every morning on your way to work. This past year, the Alumni Association committed to telling the stories of just some of our outstanding graduates who are making a difference every day.

Read all our alumni stories: bcit.ca/news

BUSINESS ALUMNA QUENCHES HER ENTREPRENEURIAL THIRST WITH DUCHESS COCKTAILS BRAND

Before Duchess Cocktails exploded onto the beverage scene, Olivia Lovenmark says she received resistance when she started her premium bottled-cocktail company in 2019: “It was frustrating to be told there wasn’t a market for my product when I knew there was.”

The BCIT Marketing Management alumna says that several years prior to launching Duchess, she noticed certain women-focused segments were being ignored. Olivia says this experience helped her identify new business opportunities. While the initial resistance she received was just one of many challenges along her entrepreneurial

journey, the struggles fuelled her desire to succeed. In 2022, she was able to leave her full-time job to focus solely on her business and successfully open a local production facility that same year. Duchess Cocktails was also released in BC Liquor Stores. The company is self-funded (Olivia bootstrapped much of the journey) and recently secured non-dilutive capital.

Ever the entrepreneur, she has also launched another venture—Repose, a members-only digital club for creators and brands to own their own online communities. ∆

SEAGATE PRESIDENT SCOTT COMFORT CHAMPIONS MASS TIMBER AS THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

BCIT alum Scott Comfort says his rise in the construction industry didn’t have a glamourous start: “My first job in construction was cleaning up garbage on job sites when I was 16.”

Today, he is at the helm of the award-winning construction contractor, Seagate Mass Timber Inc., where he is a champion for using mass timber for more sustainable construction. He says that many types of mass timber can be made with waste wood, trees not usually utilized for structural material, or ethically farmed wood. When managed properly, these materials can save old growth trees and avoid deforestation. For example, his company recently completed a 10-storey, 300,000 square foot building in six months. Its mass-timber construction led not only to less overall waste but also shorter project timelines and reduced labour costs.

Scott attributes his career success to his completion of several BCIT programs, including BCIT Carpentry Apprenticeship, Construction Operations and Supervision, and the Introductory Studies in Mass Timber Construction microcredential. ∆

ENGINEERING ENTERTAINMENT IS ALL IN A DAY’S WORK FOR EMA BAKSA

Major theme parks like Universal Studios and Disneyland attract millions of guests each year with motion-based themed rides that make you feel like you’re actually in a movie scene. That effect may seem like magic but it’s actually the work of Controls Engineers like BCIT alumna Ema Baksa, who creates the motion of dark rides in amusement parks. These rides take place mostly indoors in dark conditions, and include special effects, sounds, light, animation, animatronics, screens, and a vehicle. A platform or coaster is often used as the vehicle that transports guests. The movement of the vehicle and the experience of falling or flying are what Ema creates.

“I truly enjoy knowing that I contribute to experiences that can even for a moment take people out of the real world and into fantasy worlds or experiences they never thought imaginable,” says the Bachelor of Engineering alumna, who credits BCIT for preparing her for the hands-on troubleshooting that her job requires. ∆

SHARE YOUR SUCCESS STORY

Are you a BCIT alum with an inspiring career story? We’d love to hear from you. Share your details: bcit.ca/alumni/contact-us

(left) Duchess Cocktails Founder and alumna Olivia Lovenmark

(top) Seagate Mass Timber President and alumnus Scott Comfort

(bottom) Controls Engineer and alumna Ema Baksa

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 200,000 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:

1. Volunteerism

2. Experiential & Events

3. Philanthropic Giving

4. Communication

With more than 200,000 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

For more information, visit bcit.ca/alumni

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.

200,000+ total alumni

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

75 volunteers 177 philanthropic giving

4,259 experiential & events

182,443 contactable alumni

99,732 contactable with email

BCIT STATS

Approximately 45,000 students enrolled annually

Approximately 1,530 Indigenous students

Approximately 5,200 international students from 100+ countries

2,500 employees 6 schools 5 campuses

ALUMNI IMPACT SINCE ASSOCIATION INCEPTION

4,977 alumni donors $802,000 total funding for BCIT Alumni Associationsupported student awards

Source: BCIT Institutional Research and BCIT Advancement, 2022/23

* Including alumni located in more than 110 countries worldwide.

$2.78M alumni giving $2 M BCIT Alumni Association giving

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

March 31, 2023, with comparative information for 2022.

Emil Bosnjak, President BCIT Alumni Association

Reshmeena Lalani, Treasurer BCIT Alumni Association

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year ended March 31, 2023, with comparative information for 2022.

PARTNERSHIPS & 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.

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

PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS

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

The BCIT Alumni Association is proud to partner with organizations to enhance opportunities for our growing alumni base.

DIVERSITY CIRCLES

We appreciate our sponsorship of the ASTTBC’s AGM, and their reciprocal sponsorship of our key events.

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 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.

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

BCIT ALMUNI PERKS PARTNERS

Through the free BCIT Alumni 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 exclusive offers and discounts from our Perks partners. Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play (search ‘BCIT Alumni’).

BCIT Alumni Store

BCIT Flexible Learning

BCIT Library

BCIT Recreation Services

BCIT NEWS

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

Make sure you always get the latest BCIT news. Update your contact info: bcit.ca/alumni/connect

BCIT NAMES DR. JEFF ZABUDSKY AS NEXT PRESIDENT

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

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

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

NEW BEEDIE PLAZA UNVEILED AT BCIT BURNABY CAMPUS

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

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

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

Next BCIT President Dr. Jeff Zabudsky

NEW HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENS AT BURNABY CAMPUS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang (r) at Health Sciences Centre opening

YOU’RE A BCIT ALUM SHOW YOUR PRIDE

Your BCIT education sets you apart. Show your pride with new high-quality BCIT Alumni-branded items including a Moleskin notebook for important meetings, a 35-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

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 more than 200,000 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

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 and committees, mentor a student, or be a guest speaker.

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

ADVANCE your career with workshops and 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.