BCIT celebrated more than 500 students who crossed the convocation stage this week to join the growing family of 185,000 BCIT alumni who are around the world, in every sector, conquering today’s complex world.
As Kathy Kinloch, President of BCIT, shared, “Each of our graduates have played a role in helping us deliver on our ambitious Vision of Empowering People, Shaping BC, and Inspiring Global Progress. This is a day of celebration: a moment to reflect proudly on your own accomplishments, and those of your fellow graduates.”
Congratulations to all our graduates, their family, friends, and instructors!
Share your favourite convocation moment with us by using #BCITGrad
Tuesday, February 25- 1:30 pm ceremony [full video]
Our first ceremony celebrated over 300 students from the School of Business and School of Computing and Academic Studies.
Keynote speaker Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK and O2E Brands, shared how vision, focus, and failure can all play a part in achieving success.
As a serial entrepreneur and author, Brian has always taken the road less travelled. At 19 years old, he pioneered the industry of professional junk removal. He then scaled that success into two more home-service brands, WOW 1 Day Painting and Shack Shine.
Brian quickly learned the ins and outs of business by running his own. He believes that anyone with a fire in their gut and a vision for doing something incredible with their future can do the same.
Watch the full video of Brian’s speech below.
Valedictorian Jenelle Yonkman addressed the importance of inclusion and collaboration among her peers and for empowering girls to pursue their passion. Jenelle also accepted her second BCIT credential – Diploma in Computer Systems Technology.
View the photobooth fun from graduates and guests who attended the first ceremony.
Tuesday, February 25- 6:30 pm ceremony [full video]
More than 130 students from the School of Construction and the Environment, the School of Energy, and the School of Transportation crossed the stage in the second ceremony.
Keynote speaker Robin Silvester, CEO and President of Port of Metro Vancouver, leads the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the federal agency responsible for enabling Canada’s trade through the Port of Vancouver, which is Canada’s largest port.
In just over a decade leading the port authority, Robin has overseen unprecedented port growth due to port authority-led infrastructure investments in Vancouver’s gateway, which have catalyzed and supported private-sector investments across the port. Simultaneously, under Robin’s leadership, the port authority set and is actively advancing a vision to make the Port of Vancouver the world’s most sustainable port.
Robin’s career has included senior roles with P&O Ports in Vancouver, London, and Sydney. He urged BCIT graduates to use their skills for good. As well, to pour their values into their work and to stretch their influence beyond Canada’s borders.
Watch the full video of Robin’s speech below.
Max Melchior from the Sustainable Energy Management Advanced Certificate program represented graduates as class valedictorian.
View the potobooth gallery from the second ceremony.
Wednesday, February 26- 9:00 am ceremony [full video]
Our last ceremony celebrated more than 150 graduates from the School of Health Sciences. Today was also the annual Pink Shirt Day. This year’s theme is lift each other up — a simple but powerful message encouraging us to look beyond our differences and celebrate the things that make us unique.
Keynote speaker Sarah Bell is not only the Chief Operating Officer, BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, Interim Chief Nursing Officer, Head Interprofessional Practice and Patient Experience, Children’s and Women’s Health at the Provincial Health Services Authority, but she’s also a BCIT Nursing class valedictorian and alumna.
“BCIT is a special place. It is remarkable how many graduates are employed in their area of interest immediately upon graduation. A tribute to the incredible leadership, and the amazing instructors who are committed to sharing their real-life expertise with students,” shared Sarah.
She reminded graduates, “Providing exceptional healthcare is every bit an art as it is a science. I am confident that each of you has the requisite technical skills to provide the best care to the people who come to you. That really is a guarantee of enrollment in BCIT. Be kind to yourself and each other. Kindness has its roots in empathy. It improves patient care and safety and enables us to go from a place of judgement to understanding.”
Watch the full video of Sarah’s speech below.
Nursing alumna and valedictorian Terrelle Klose also echoed a similar sentiment. She shared, “When I put on scrubs and step onto the ward, I am strong. BCIT has taught me to be and our patients need us to be… Remember to have courage, continue to learn, speak up for for those who need us, and ask for help when needed.”
View photos from the photobooth at ceremony three.
