BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT
2025/26
— BCIT ALUMNI ARE EVERYWHERE. Learn more: bcit.ca/alumni
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
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 and Ambassadors
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Alumni Support: Giving Back to the Community
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Alumni Events: Making and Strengthening Connections
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Alumni Stories
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About the Alumni Association
13
BCIT by the Numbers 2025/26
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Alumni Financials
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Partnerships and Sponsorships
17
BCIT Alumni Perks Partners
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News Around BCIT
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Nine Ways to Keep in Touch
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).
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF BCIT Across British Columbia and beyond, BCIT alumni are making a meaningful difference—leading in their fields, strengthening communities, and driving innovation. It is a privilege to witness the impact of this community, and I continue to be deeply impressed by the generosity of our alumni in lifting the lives of our students and strengthening the BCIT brand. BCIT holds a unique role in our province as the only post-secondary institution with a provincial mandate for strategic workforce development. We sit at the intersection of education and industry, listening, adapting, and delivering programs that directly respond to the needs of British Columbia’s economy and communities. We are at a pivotal moment. With more than one million job openings anticipated across the province in the next decade, the challenge is not opportunity, it is alignment. BCIT is committed to helping meet this demand by preparing graduates with the right skills, at the right time. Our curriculum is constantly being refined in collaboration with industry to ensure it remains relevant, responsive, and future-focused. To meet growing demand, we are also expanding training capacity at our Burnaby Campus with new, state-of-the-art facilities in high-demand sectors. Through the development of the Robert Bosa Carpentry Pavilion and the Mott Electric Pavilion, these spaces will increase capacity in areas such as carpentry and electrical, ensuring more students can access handson learning and graduate ready to contribute to critical infrastructure and housing projects across the province. This work ensures BCIT can continue to respond at scale to the workforce needs of our province. Your role as alumni in this is vital. As mentors, employers, advocates, and donors, you strengthen student success and extend BCIT’s impact far beyond our campuses. I also encourage you to stay connected to BCIT through continued learning and returning to upskill, reskill, and grow alongside a changing workforce. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to BCIT and for helping shape a strong, resilient future for our province.
Dr. Jeff Zabudsky President British Columbia Institute of Technology
BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2025/26
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION This past year has been a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. As a community, we continue to grow in both size and impact, and it is your engagement that makes this possible. We saw remarkable momentum across our programs and initiatives. More than 10,000 alumni are now connected through the Perks app, accessing exclusive benefits from over 80 partners while staying engaged with BCIT. Our alumni engagement team supported over 70 events, creating opportunities for connection, learning, and community. The inaugural BCIT Advantage Fair welcomed more than 2,000 visitors and over a dozen vendors, while the second annual How to Talk to Strangers event grew to over 130 attendees. These are encouraging signs of the demand for meaningful, in-person experiences. We also celebrated over 7,500 new graduates at convocation, each one entering a global alumni network that is ready to support their journey. At our Annual General Meeting, more 300 alumni and guests joined demonstrating a shared commitment to shaping the future of our Association. In partnership with the BCIT Student Association, we also launched an online entrepreneurial series featuring alumni speakers, strengthening the connection between students and the alumni who inspire them. Looking ahead, we are excited to open the Alumni Exchange at the Burnaby Campus early next year. The dedicated space will serve as a home for alumni engagement which will further strengthen the ties between alumni, students, and the Institute. These milestones reflect the impact of our four key priorities in action. Through your philanthropy, engagement, mentorship, and volunteerism, including the leadership of our Past Presidents and dedicated volunteers, you are helping to build a stronger, more connected BCIT community. BCIT’s impact does not end at convocation. It expands through you. Whether you hire a graduate, mentor a student, attend an event, or give back, each action strengthens our collective future. Thank you for your continued commitment. Together, we will foster alumni success, support our students, and advance BCIT’s excellence for years to come.
Sean Poole, Nautical Sciences – Marine ‘09 President BCIT Alumni Association
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BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD AND AMBASSADORS PRESIDENT SEAN POOLE MBA
VICE PRESIDENT AMANDA GOMES P.Eng, PMP
SECRETARY/TREASURER HERB GILL CPA, CGA
Nautical Sciences – Marine ‘09
Civil Engineering ‘14
Business Management ‘77
Director of Business Development, Ocean
Senior Associate, Infrastructure BC
President, NIDA Management Inc.
DIRECTOR DR. CANDY HO EdD, M.Ed, BA
DIRECTOR REZA BAFANDEH MBA
DIRECTOR MANDY HARRIS MBA, BS , MLT(CG)
Leadership Studies ‘07
Operations Management ‘10; Business Administration ‘10
Clinical Genetics ‘02; Health Leadership ‘20
CEO, Darwynn Ltd.
Project Director, SFU School of Medicine Implementation, Fraser Health Authority
DIRECTOR SERGEY BUKHAROV
DIRECTOR MIKE BATTISTEL AScT.
DIRECTOR FARHAN VIRJI MBA
Information Technology ‘17
Building Science ‘99 Architectural Building Engineering Technology Diploma ‘00
Bachelor of Computer Technology ‘05
Chancellor’s Chair & Educational Studies Faculty, Kwantlen Polytechnic University; President, Career Connections Consulting
Head of SkyHive Services & Success, Cornerstore OnDemand
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Chief Operating Officer, HeyOrca
President, Cascadia Windows & Doors; Instructor, Architectural Building Engineering Technology, BCIT
DIRECTOR SHERVIN LAGHAIE Vice President, External, BCIT Student Association
EX-OFFICIO LISA JUNG
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Lisa Jung, Executive Executive Director, BCIT Alumni Director of the BCIT Alumni Association Association and Director, and Director of Alumni Relations and BCIT Alumni Relations Klara Labady, BCIT Alumni Relations and Board Secretary, for their exceptional commitment and service to the board. Interested in volunteering for the BCIT Alumni Association Board of Directors? Contact us: alumni@bcit.ca
FRASER VALLEY ALUMNI AMBASSADOR JACK DAVIDSON
HONG KONG ALUMNI AMBASSADOR BRAD KIRK
Operations Management, ‘69
Hospitality – Administration, ‘78
Former Chair, BCIT Board of Governors
Chief Operating Officer, Harilela Hotels Group
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ALUMNI SUPPORT: GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY The BCIT Alumni Association is built on a shared commitment to giving back and recognizing that the strength of our community lies in the success and support of those who come after us. Guided by a vision of a global network of engaged and passionate alumni, we believe that investing in students and in each other creates lasting impact across British Columbia and beyond. Over the past year, alumni have demonstrated this commitment in meaningful ways by contributing their time, knowledge, and resources to support the BCIT community. From mentoring students and volunteering at events to making financial contributions, these efforts help open doors, build connections, and shape future leaders. Through partnerships and collaborative initiatives, the Alumni Association continues to expand opportunities for engagement, ensuring alumni can stay connected while making a difference. In partnership with the BCIT Foundation, the Alumni Association is proud to have contributed over $1.4 million in scholarships, bursaries, and awards, benefiting more than 1,100 students. To find out how you can support BCIT students, visit bcit.ca/alumni/give
BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2025/26
STUDENT AWARDS DISBURSED ON BEHALF OF THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN 2025/26 In 2025/26, 33 awards totalling $69,038 were disbursed as follows:
JUNE 2025 – GRADUATING AWARDS The BCIT Alumni Association Awards ($13,353) Chung Yee Joey Yau, Television & Video Production Radoslaw Panowek, Forensic Investigation – Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Samuel Ryder, Geomatics Engineering Technology Maninder Kailey, Chemical and Environmental Technology Kibum Park, Biomedical Engineering Technology
BCIT UNVEILS MOTT ELECTRIC PAVILION FOR TRADES TRAINING A powerful example of alumni giving is taking shape on BCIT’s Burnaby campus with the naming of the Mott Electric Pavilion. Made possible through a generous gift from alumnus Dan Mott and Mott Electric, the state-of-the-art facility will expand electrical apprenticeship training, adding over 250 seats annually, helping to meet growing workforce demand. The purpose-built space will also support hands-on training and skills development in the emerging areas of renewable energy, robotics, and automated controls.
SEPTEMBER 2025 – ENTRANCE AWARDS The BCIT Alumni Association Entrance Awards ($7,500) Rosie Barlow, Geographical Information Systems Sarah Bryan, Nuclear Medicine Jesse Diaz, Mechanical Engineering Technology Noah Peckham, Broadcast & Online Journalism Nicole Pugh, Interior Design
FALL 2025 – SCHOLARSHIPS The BCIT Alumni Association Award ($13,046) Tina Le, Global Trade and Transportation Management Crystal Giesbrecht, Applied Computer Science, Games Development Mike Wilson, Geomatics Engineering Technology Ronald Ho, Electrical Engineering Christina Walker, Medical Laboratory Sciences Van Luu, Nautical Sciences
JANUARY 2026 – ENTRANCE AWARDS The BCIT Alumni Association Entrance Award ($1,500) Jade Butler, Forensic Investigation – Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity
MARCH 2026 – BURSARIES The BCIT Alumni Association Bursaries ($33,639) Awarded to 16 students in financial need.
NOURISHING TOMORROW, TODAY The BCIT Alumni Association contributed more than $5,000 to help address food insecurity and advance equity at campus locations not supported by the BCIT Food Pantry. This included a $4,000 Emergency Food Fund to support more than 25 students at specialty campuses in purchasing healthy food, as well as a $1,000 investment to rewrap a Student Association delivery van with the Alumni Association logo, visibly demonstrating alumni support for campus food programs. Beyond financial contributions, the Alumni Association collected over 2,000 pounds of food through alumni hosted events and hosted dozens of students for lunch at BCIT Indigenous Initiatives’ Gathering Place. To support food security for students, visit bcitsa.ca/wellbeing/food-support
AWARDS AND BURSARY TOTALS SINCE ASSOCIATION INCEPTION 1,188 students have benefitted from awards, receiving a total of $1,488,091. ENDOWMENT VALUES AT JANUARY 31, 2026 BCIT Alumni Association Scholarship and Bursary Endowment (Vancouver Foundation) $810,000 BCIT Alumni Association Scholarship and Bursary Endowment (BCIT Foundation) $446,137
TOTAL: $1,256,137 7
ALUMNI EVENTS: MAKING AND STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS Creating opportunities for connection is at the heart of the BCIT Alumni Association’s work. Events play a vital role in bringing alumni together to strengthen relationships, spark new ideas, and build a sense of community that extends far beyond campus. Whether reconnecting with former classmates or meeting peers across industries, these shared experiences help foster meaningful, lifelong connections. This year, the Alumni Association was proud to expand its offering of in-person events, providing more opportunities for alumni to come together, learn, and engage. From professional development sessions to social gatherings, these events created spaces for alumni to exchange knowledge, grow their skills, and broaden their networks. Find upcoming events and the latest news by updating your contact information at bcit.ca/alumni/connect
BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2025/26
HOW TO TALK TO STRANGERS BUILDING COMMUNITY AND CAREERS AT THE 2025 BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AGM AND PRESENTATION Nearly 300 alumni, students, and community members gathered at the BCIT Downtown Campus for the BCIT Alumni Association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Feature Presentation which focused on connection, reflection, and career growth. Alumni received updates on the Association’s progress, financial health, and strategic priorities, and welcomed incoming board members. The evening also featured Growing to Advance Your Career, a panel discussion moderated by BCIT alumnus and board director Farhan Virji. Panelists Scott Comfort (President, Seagate Mass Timber), Chris Hudson (BCIT Vice President, People, Culture & Inclusion), Kara Kingston (Chief Public Affairs Officer, BC Hydro), and Edoardo De Martin (CEO, Industrio AI) shared personal insights on leadership, adaptability, mentorship, and navigating career transitions. Together, they offered practical advice and inspiration for alumni at every stage of their professional journey.
The BCIT Alumni Association held its second annual How to Talk to Strangers event in the fall featuring internationally recognized career development educator and BCIT alumna Dr. Candy Ho. Attended by over 140 guests, attendees learned how to harness their power skills to build lasting professional relationships. They then applied their learning during speed networking sessions.
BCIT ADVANTAGE FAIR
SPRING ALUMNI SOCIAL AND VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC SEASON OPENER Over 100 alumni and guests rubbed elbows with local soccer legend Carl Valentine at the Spring 2026 Alumni Social and Vancouver Whitecaps FC season opener sponsored by TD Insurance. Held at the BC Sports Hall of Fame, guests reconnected, shared stories, and were provided an update on the soccer season before watching the Caps kick off the season with a win against Real Salt Lake.
The inaugural BCIT Advantage Fair, held at the start of the fall 2025 school year, brought together more than 2,000 students, alumni, faculty, and staff with exclusive benefits, discounts, and prize opportunities from over a dozen partners. The on-campus event showcased that BCIT community extends beyond the classroom, reinforcing BCIT’s commitment to accessibility, community, and student support, while strengthening partner relationships and increasing the visibility and long term relevance of the Alumni Association. 9
ALUMNI STORIES BCIT alumni are innovators, builders, and changemakers—applying their skills in bold and creative ways to shape industries and strengthen communities. Across sectors, they are turning their education into meaningful impact, driving innovation, strengthening the economy, and contributing to the social and cultural fabric of British Columbia and beyond. Their stories reflect the power of applied education in action, where hands-on learning becomes the foundation for new ideas, entrepreneurial ventures, and lasting impact. Each one demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation and community, embodying the values that define the BCIT alumni network and continue to inspire future generations. Read all our alumni stories at bcit.ca/news
FROM BCIT TO COMMUNITY BUILDER: TROY MACBETH ABROMAITIS’ INSPIRING PATH Troy Macbeth Abromaitis, a proud member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation, credits his BCIT education with helping shape a career rooted in leadership, community building, and reconciliation. A survivor of the Sixties Scoop, Troy pursued studies in Marketing Management and Leadership Management at BCIT, where he developed the practical skills and confidence needed to navigate complex systems BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2025/26
and drive meaningful change. His career spans real estate development, governance, and advocacy, including leading rebuilding efforts in Lytton following devastating wildfires. Today, Troy’s work bridges business and community, transforming personal experience into action that supports healing, reconnection, and long term impact for Indigenous communities.
TWO GENERATIONS OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
BRIAN ANTONSON: SHAPING BC’S MEDIA AND MYTHS
Mark Hermans and his daughter Brooklyn share more than a family connection—they are both graduates of BCIT’s Operations Management program, completed more than three decades apart. Mark enrolled in the program in the late 1980s, drawn to its practical, hands-on approach at a time when manufacturing shaped BC’s economy. Years later, Brooklyn followed in his footsteps, graduating into a workforce defined by digital systems, global supply chains, and rapid technological change. Despite the decades between them, both credit BCIT’s applied learning model for preparing them to manage complexity, lead projects, and build successful careers in consulting and systems implementation.
Brian Antonson, a BCIT broadcast graduate and former Associate Dean of Broadcast and Media, credits his time at BCIT with shaping a career that has left a lasting mark on both the institution and British Columbia’s media landscape. After graduating in 1969, Brian built a career spanning radio production, teaching, and academic leadership, mentoring generations of students along the way. Following his retirement, he turned his attention to storytelling of a different kind, co-authoring Slumach’s Gold, a Canadian bestseller exploring one of BC’s most enduring legends.
DEVELOPING A BOARD GAME THAT BLENDS NOSTALGIA, CULTURE, AND CONNECTION Critical Care Nursing alumna, Pauline Kong, turned cherished family traditions into a creative venture that brings people together around the table. Growing up playing mahjong and sharing dim sum with her parents, Pauline carried those experiences with her into adulthood while building a career in nursing. It was through rediscovering board games as a way to connect with others that an idea took shape. Drawing on her creativity, cultural roots, and problem solving skills developed at BCIT, Pauline co-created Steam Up, a board game inspired by the shared experience of dim sum.
BUILDING COMMUNITY ONE BOLT AT A TIME Andrea Obnamia’s BCIT journey is defined by hands-on learning, leadership, and a commitment to community. A graduate of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Andrea found her place with BCIT Racing, where a passion for problem solving and collaboration evolved into a leadership role shaping the team’s growth and success. Her work organizing competitions, managing logistics, and supporting fellow students extended well beyond the classroom. Now an alumna and recipient of the Laurie Jack Memorial Award, Andrea continues to mentor students while building her career in the aviation industry.
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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 215,000 members across the globe. All BCIT graduates who have earned a credential of 15 credit hours or more are alumni, and members of the association.
STRATEGIC PLAN HIGHLIGHTS 2025 – 2030 FOUR KEY PRIORITIES:
PHILANTHROPY & REVENUE GENERATION
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PAST PRESIDENTS CIRCLE
Generate revenue to fund programs and services for alumni and students give back to the BCIT community.
Increase meaningful engagement for BCIT alumni supporting their personal and professional development in four engaging categories:
Enhance the student experience by providing valuable networking and mentoring opportunities to prepare students for successful careers while strengthening the relationship between alumni and their alma mater.
Engage Past Presidents and volunteers to identify and leverage knowledge and experience to strengthen the Alumni Association and continue to advance our mission.
∆ Volunteerism ∆ Experiential ∆ Philanthropic ∆ Communication
For more information, visit bcit.ca/alumni BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
BCIT BY THE NUMBERS 2025/26
215,000+
ALUMNI IN CANADA total alumni
201,246 ON
AB
3,994 2,371 2,571
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
1,171
246
volunteering activities
Other
11,845
acts of giving
experiential & events
BC
192,310
100,000+ contactable alumni with email
GLOBAL ALUMNI*
6,653
BCIT STATS Approximately
Approximately
48,302 students enrolled annually
2,125
3500 3000 2500
Indigenous students
2000 1500
Approximately
3,458 China (including Hong Kong)
6,176 international students
1,514 United States
1000 500
651 South Korea
0
2,906
employees
6
5
schools
campuses
Including alumni located in more than 110 countries worldwide.
*
ALUMNI IMPACT SINCE ASSOCIATION INCEPTION
5,096
alumni donors
$1,043,368
total funding for BCIT Alumni Associationsupported student awards
$3.6M
alumni giving
$2.1M
BCIT Alumni Association giving
BCIT Institutional Research and BCIT Advancement, 2025/26
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION March 31, 2026, with comparative information for 2025.
2026
2025
$432,815
$225,857
–
100,032
Accounts Receivable
13,388
2,768
Prepaid Expenses
2,770
2,715
TOTAL ASSETS
$448,972
$331,372
LIABILITIES
$18,058
$8,530
INTERNALLY RESTRICTED
100,000
100,000
UNRESTRICTED
330,915
222,842
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$448,972
$331,372
ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents GIC Investments
Sean Poole, President BCIT Alumni Association
BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2025/26
Herb Gill, Treasurer BCIT Alumni Association
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Year ended March 31, 2026, with comparative information for 2025.
2026
2025
$259,169
$157,566
–
825
Event Revenue (ticket sales, auction proceeds, sponsorship)
11,302
7,538
Interest
10,606
13,046
Chapter Revenue
–
70
TOTAL REVENUE
$281,077
$179,045
Board/Committee Meetings (including AGM)
$–
$1,433
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
3,037
2,929
Volunteer and Staff Recognition
123
285
Legal and Professional Services
1,803
3,621
Sponsorship and External Participation
72,015
58,004
Event Expenses
68,347
50,768
–
3,380
26,911
30,924
769
7,198
TOTAL EXPENSES
$173,004
$158,541
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)
$108,073
$20,504
REVENUE Affinity Programs Merchandising (convocation flowers, etc.)
EXPENSES Board of Directors
Special Events
Chapter Expenses Marketing and Communications General and Administrative
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PARTNERSHIPS AND SPONSORSHIPS The BCIT Alumni Association is sincerely grateful to our valued partners. These partnerships not only help our alumni members, but also provide an important revenue source to the Alumni Association ensuring we can continue to foster alumni and student success through donations and sponsorships.
AFFINITY PARTNERS Our two affinity partners provide exclusive deals, special promotions, and preferred rates to benefit our alumni, students, and the BCIT community.
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.
Home insurance and Small Business insurance from TD insurance Meloche Monnex helps BCIT alumni get access to preferred insurance rates on business, home, condo, auto, and tenant coverage.
PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS DIVERSITY
We are grateful to work with BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, supporting its events showcasing Indigenous BCIT alumni.
We also deeply value our partnership with BCIT Student Association, running career services for alumni and students, a robust alumni-student mentorship program, industry days career fairs, and speaker panel events featuring BCIT alumni.
BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2025/26
CIRCLES
We are pleased to partner with Diversity Circles in support of its events promoting diversity in our community.
BCIT ALUMNI PERKS PARTNERS Through the BCIT Perks app, the Association is proud to provide our alumni exclusive access to offers, discounts, events, and contests from our valued Alumni Perks Partners. Take advantage of the opportunities by downloading the free app from the App Store or Google Play by searching “BCIT Alumni”.
BCIT
BCIT
BCIT
Alumni Store
Flexible Learning
Library
5/15/24, 12:08 PM
BCIT Recreation Services
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https://www.parknfly.ca/wp-content/themes/parknfly/dist/images/logo_29de4d11.svg
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NEWS AROUND BCIT BCIT LAUNCHES RESOURCES THAT HELP BC COMMUNITIES TAKE CLIMATE ACTION BCIT is helping communities take meaningful climate action with practical, data‑driven tools developed by the Centre for Ecocities. A new Climate Action Guide and emissions‑tracking tool focus on Scope 3 emissions which are the often‑overlooked impacts of everyday choices such
as food, transportation, and consumption. Designed for local governments, organizations, and businesses, these resources offer step‑by‑step strategies to reduce emissions, promote equity, and support community wellbeing.
EMPOWERING CANADIAN VETERANS FOR CYBERSECURITY CAREERS IN CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE In the summer of 2025, BCIT welcomed Canadian Armed Forces veterans to campus for an intensive Industrial Networking for Cybersecurity Professionals microcredential, designed to build skills critical to protecting Canada’s infrastructure. Delivered as a one week, hands-on bootcamp, the program immersed participants in operational technology (OT) systems that power sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation. Through applied learning in BCIT’s specialized labs, veterans gained practical experience securing real world systems while translating leadership, teamwork, and operational discipline gained through military service into cybersecurity careers.
BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 2025/26
REWILDING WITH PURPOSE: HOW MARK ANGELO TURNED APPLIED LEARNING INTO GLOBAL IMPACT Long before rewilding became a global movement, Dr. Mark Angelo was already asking how damaged ecosystems could be restored. Drawn to BCIT for its hands‑on, applied approach, Mark built a career that bridged environmental science, education, and action. As a longtime instructor and former program head in BCIT’s Fish and Wildlife program, he helped turn theory into practice—most notably by transforming Guichon Creek into a living classroom where students actively participated in restoration work. That same applied mindset now extends well beyond campus. Mark is a cast member and executive producer of The Rewilders, a new documentary exploring conservation efforts around the world, from salmon habitats in British Columbia to keystone species restoration abroad.
BREAKING GROUND ON NEW BCIT COMPLEX TO EXPAND TRADES, TECHNOLOGY TRAINING BCIT is making major progress on expanding trades and technology training to meet British Columbia’s growing demand for skilled workers. Construction is underway on a new Trades and Technology Complex at the Burnaby Campus, featuring state-of-the-art facilities for carpentry, mass timber construction, marine trades, and steel fabrication. Designed to increase student capacity, encourage collaboration across disciplines, and support sustainable building practices, the expansion reflects BCIT’s ongoing commitment to hands-on, industry responsive education.
BCIT TALL TIMBER STUDENT HOUSING The Tall Timber Student Housing opened in the fall of 2025 at the Burnaby campus, marking a major milestone in student life and campus development. The 12 storey, mass timber residence adds 469 student beds, more than doubling BCIT’s on campus housing capacity for the first time in 40 years. Built with sustainability and community in mind, the building features shared and studio accommodations, study spaces, and welcoming common areas steps from classrooms. As Burnaby’s tallest mass timber building, it also showcases innovative, low carbon construction.
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— SHOW YOUR BCIT PRIDE Your BCIT education sets you apart. Show your pride with high-quality BCIT Alumni-branded items including Moleskin notebooks for important meetings, a 17-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 first order by using promo code BCITALUMNI at the checkout.
9 WAYS TO KEEP IN TOUCH BCIT’s more than 215,000 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. Get involved at bcit.ca/alumni/connect
BE RECOGNIZED by sharing your story or nominating someone for a BCIT award.
ENJOY unique offers and services—download our free BCIT Alumni Perks app from Google Play or the App Store.
HIRE students and alumni to help your organization succeed.
GIVE BACK with any amount to support the Alumni Association and BCIT students.
VOLUNTEER with boards, committees, mentor a student, or be a guest speaker.
GET SOCIAL by following @BCITAlumni on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.
ADVANCE your career by taking workshops and utilizing job search tools.
SHOP and show your BCIT pride with BCIT Alumnibranded merchandise.
NETWORK at online or in-person Alumni Association events to grow your connections.
For more details, visit bcit.ca/alumni 21
— KEEP IN TOUCH. ENJOY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS. 604.432.8847 1.877.432.8847 alumni@bcit.ca bcit.ca/alumni
Follow us at BCIT Alumni.
MCD 5980 MAY 2026