On June 12, more than 200 BCIT alumni gathered for the 2024 BCIT Alumni Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Feature Presentation at the BCIT Downtown Campus Tech Collider—a next-generation learning space and event venue. The event was the Association’s first in-person AGM since 2019 and it gave attendees an opportunity to reflect on the past, as well as look forward to the future. This year marks both 60 years of BCIT partnering learners with industry, and 45 years of the BCIT Alumni Association supporting the alumni community.
The official program commenced with Indigenous Elder Bob Baker (ancestral name: S7aplek) who is a Cultural Advisor and co-founder of S’pakwus Slolem (translated to “Eagle Song”), a Squamish nation dancing group. He warmly welcomed alumni and guests with stories, humour, and song.
BCIT president Dr. Jeff Zabudsky addressed the crowd, taking a moment to highlight how important BCIT Alumni are to the Institute.
“You’re the story we tell,” said Dr. Zabudsky. “You are our ambassadors and you’re solving complex problems, leading innovation, and contributing to the growth and sustainability of our communities.”
Dr. Zabudsky announced this year’s Distinguished Award recipients who will be honoured at the Distinguished Awards Gala on November 14, 2024. Mark Angelo will receive an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his inspiring conservation work. Kristy James will be presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award for her leadership, and her contributions to the betterment of our local healthcare system. Donabel Santos will receive the Faculty and Staff Association Distinguished Alumni Award for her work as a valued Flexible Learning instructor and role-model for women in the computing field. And, Sally Pool will be presented with the Outstanding Student Leadership Award. As a student, Sally believed in the power of staying connected and was heavily involved in both her student life at BCIT and her community.
In the President’s Report, Emil Bosnjak acknowledged the generosity of the BCIT Alumni community. In the past year, the BCIT Alumni Association has gifted approximately 650 lbs of food to the BCIT Student Association’s Food Pantry. Additionally, Emil shared that last year the Alumni Association distributed over $55,000 in awards, scholarships, and bursaries through an endowment fund. To date, over 1,100 students have been supported by the generous contributions of BCIT alumni. “To have a strong, thriving community, we must continue to help each other,” said Emil, reaffirming the Association’s continued commitment to BCIT’s students.
Reshmeena Lalani, BCIT Alumni Association Secretary and Treasurer presented the Association’s financial report and highlighted the importance of Affinity partnerships for funding alumni initiatives and supporting our students.
This year, four members of the Alumni Association’s board retired: Secretary and Treasurer Reshmeena Lalani, and Directors Michelle Ward, Jimmy Wang, and Nolan Nordwall.
Emil Bosnjak announced he will also be stepping down as President, though he will continue to support the Board as a Past President.
Sean Poole, COO, Vancouver Island Ferry Company, will be stepping into the role as BCIT Alumni Association President. Sean has served on the Association Board of Directors for four years and was most recently the Vice President. He brings a wealth of leadership expertise to the position.
Joining the board are Directors Candy Ho, and Mike Battistel. Herb Gill will return as a Director for a 2-year term. BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) Vice President External Cora Bell was appointed to the Board as the student representative for 2024-2025.
BCIT alumni were inspired by Distinguished Alumni recipient Dr. Candy Ho’s presentation “Your Brand, Your Future: Navigating Career Success Through Personal Branding”. Dr. Ho shared that, to develop your personal brand, you must look outward to look inward and ask yourself:
- What is the world I want to live in?
- What do I see are the global problems or opportunities that need my attention?
- What are my talents and experiences that may help address these problems and, in turn, improve the condition of our world?
- What do I care about?
Candy also shared some concrete tips for post-event connection: always “write a personalized message when connecting on LinkedIn” and if you don’t get a connection “don’t take offense, talk to other people, keep going.”
To see the video recording of the 2024 AGM and Feature Presentation, keep your eye on your inbox for the next alumni newsletter in early July.
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For all the photos, see the event album.
Read the BCIT Alumni Association 2023/2024 Annual Report.
Thank you to the generous sponsors of the BCIT Alumni Association 2024 Annual General Meeting and Feature Presentation.
- TD Insurance
- Manulife
- Avis Budget Group
- BC Lions
- Gestur
- Mark’s Commercial
- Park’N Fly
- Vancouver Football Club
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The BCIT Alumni Association (BCITAA) is a registered non-profit society governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and financed by affinity partnerships, sponsorships, and Institute support. Through this work, the BCITAA supports a global community of more than 205,000 passionate alumni who promote the excellence of BCIT.