BCIT welcomed more than 550 students who crossed the convocation stage this week to proudly deliver on the promise of BCIT. This year’s graduates now join the more than 180,000 BCIT alumni who are around the world, in every sector, conquering today’s complex world.
As Tom Roemer, Vice-President of Academic, shared, “BCIT is not an easy road. We demand a lot, because we promise a lot.”
Tom added, “We promise graduates who are adept in their field, yet humble in their character; workers who are collaborative in spirits and entrepreneurial in their approach; citizens who strive for personal success and success for the world; and innovative thinkers who will solve some of the greatest issues of our time.”
Congratulations to all of our graduates, and their families, friends, and instructors!
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Photos (including photobooth photos) and videos from each of the three ceremonies are available below. Artona photographers will be emailing students directly for their individual ceremony photography.
Tuesday, February 26- 1:30 pm ceremony
The first ceremony celebrated students from the School of Business and School of Computing and Academic Studies.
Charmaine Crooks, President of NGU Consultants and Director on several charitable and public sector boards, was our keynote speaker.
As a member of the Order of Canada, a five-time Olympian, an Olympic silver medalist, and a globally-recognized leader in sports, Charmaine likened the journey of education to a race.
“Education is a starting line. We take a victory lap and we get ready for the next race” said Charmaine. “This is about being the best at what’s yet to come.”
Charmaine also encouraged graduates to continue to make a difference in their communities.
“As one who stood on the Olympic podium, I can honestly say that today you are out on the blocks for that next lap of your life. Make a difference, ask yourself how you can be a champion for your community.”
View the photobooth fun from graduates and guests who attended the first ceremony.
Tuesday, February 26- 6:30 pm ceremony
Students from the School of Construction and the Environment, School of Energy, and School of Transportation were joined by family and friends who came together to celebrate their achievements at the second ceremony.
Ali Bagheri, Bachelor of Technology, and Mike Bagheri, Bachelor of Engineering, were in attendance not only to celebrate their own graduation but also each other’s. They are father and son who became BCIT alumni together.
Keynote speaker Catherine Roome, President and CEO of Technical Safety, emphasized the importance of humanity at a time of rapid technological advancements.
“Your generation must infuse this fuzzy boundary between technology and humanity with a sense of right and wrong. To put people at the centre of everything you do,” said Catherine. “We’re counting on you.”
View the photobooth fun from graduates and guests who attended the second ceremony.
Wednesday, February 27-9:00 am ceremony
The final convocation ceremony celebrated students who graduated from the School of Health Sciences. Some graduates wore pink graduation caps to show support for anti-bullying day (Pink Shirt Day).
These graduates form a vital part of the health care system that shape our province. Keynote speaker, Donna Wilson, Director of BCIT Foundation and Executive Vice-President for People and Diagnostic and Treatment Services at Provincial Health Services Authority in British Columbia, reminded graduates the importance of their roles moving forward.
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“Your most important job is as a change agent. We need you in our healthcare system to move us forward,” said Donna.
View the photobooth fun from graduates and guests who attended the third ceremony.
A special thank you to all of volunteers, faculty, and friends of BCIT for your time in celebrating our graduates’ great accomplishments.
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