Over 1700 students are crossing the stage in five in-person ceremonies this June, joining more than 205,000 of our BCIT alumni community. We are proud of our graduates for their achievements and confident in their abilities to create sustained and meaningful impact beyond BCIT.
Each ceremony begun with the acknowledgement that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Our graduates were welcomed into the auditorium by William George-Thomas and Christopher George-Thomas from the Tsleil Waututh Nation, as well as the Indigenous Women’s Ensemble M’Girl, who performed a traditional opening song.
Before the crossing of stage, BCIT invited notable keynote speakers to share their valuable words of advice for our graduates who are starting to make their mark in the world.
To symbolize closing this chapter and moving on to the next, our graduates heard from representatives of the BCIT Alumni Association and the Valedictorian towards the end of their ceremony.
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Read below for a summary of each ceremony:
Tuesday, June 25, 9:00 am ceremony
The first ceremony celebrated grads from the BCIT School of Business + Media in Business Administration, Business Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, as well as Digital Arts, Media & Design. There were a total of 400 graduates who crossed the stage.
The keynote for this ceremony was Michael Atkinson, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Beem Credit Union. With a career that spans over three decades, Michael brings a wealth of expertise in banking, strategic planning, and financial management. In 2023, he led the largest merger of two credit unions in Canadian history, showcasing his expertise in mergers and acquisitions.
In his speech, Michael congratulates the graduates on their hard work and dedication to reaching this academic milestone. He shares some of his learnings with the graduates. “Life is too short for you to spend the time you do at work to do if you don’t enjoy or if it doesn’t align with your values.” he advises. “Knowledge is a journey and I would suggest it doesn’t end for you today.” He also encouraged grads to be proactive with their career and continue to build their personal brand and their personal network.
At the end of the ceremony, the graduating class heard from Valedictorian Alina Malik, who is graduating with a Diploma in Human Resources Management. In her address to the graduates, Alina shared her experience of being one of the youngest students in her cohort and how she overcame her struggle with imposter syndrome. She asks the graduates to live intentionally and pursue becoming the best version of themselves.
Tuesday, June 25, 1:30 pm ceremony
The second ceremony celebrated grads from the BCIT School of Business + Media in Accounting, Finance and Insurance, and Marketing Management. There were a total of 200 graduates who crossed the stage.
Dr. Jeff Zabudsky congratulated the graduates and commended them for their hard work and dedication.
The keynote for this ceremony was Bhupinder Hundal, News Director and Station Manager at Global News. He is an astute media professional with almost two decades of experience in the industry. Having previously worked at CBC Vancouver and OMNI Television, Bhupinder was the founder of CrossConnect Media, a media company designed to enhance the profile of mainstream news organizations in ethnic communities. He is also well-known for his contributions to Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi, both in front of the camera and behind it.
In his speech, Bhupinder begins by thanking BCIT for the opportunity to do something that he never thought he’d do — delivering a convocation speech at BCIT. He encourages the graduates to embrace what is hard. He shared his experience of growing up in an immigrant family and the dedication it took to build his dream career in journalism. “Work hard and create the opportunities for yourself.” Bhupinder tells the graduating class.
At the end of the ceremony, the graduating class heard from Valedictorian Sidrah Umar, who is graduating with a Diploma in Marketing Management. In her address to the graduates, Sidrah acknowledges the range of different backstories that every graduating student might have. “We are all driven by our own stories, motivated by our own ‘why’.” She ends her address asking graduates to stay curious and keep learning. “‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. So remain curious.”
Wednesday, June 26, 9:00 am ceremony
Continuing this celebratory week, over 300 students from the BCIT School of Business + Media students, Broadcast and Communications program, and BCIT School of Energy students crossed the stage Wednesday morning.
The students heard from keynote speaker, Raja Shergill, Producer of Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi. Opening his speech, Raja congratulated the graduates for their incredible achievements. “Today is a day of celebration, reflection, and anticipation. I am honored to share this moment with you here today.”
Raja encouraged the now BCIT alumni to find their voice. “You are going to be the voices of society, telling their stories, sharing their voices. Your work will echo in the hearts of many. You will inspire others to seek justice and equality.” Recounting his own personal story, Raja emphasized the importance of using our talent to amplify marginalized voices and to hold accountability. “Be relentless in making the world a better world through your words.”
Wrapping up his speech, Raja highlighted the endless opportunities waiting. “Journalism is not just a profession – it is your calling,” Raja says. “The world today is more connected than ever before.”
At the end of the ceremony, Valedictorian Kobie Smith from the Broadcast and Journalism Diploma program, and Hereditary Chief for the Salmon Clan, delivered the final speech.
In his speech, Kobie started by stating that representation matters. “It has been stated that I’m a role model for young indigenous children. I hold this space today for my ancestors that never had the chance to attend post-secondary.”
Relocated away from a small community, Kobie said it was scary to leave his safe space. But the love and support he felt from his family and close friends made all the difference to his success. Kobie delivered a heartfelt tribute to his mother and thanked BCIT Indigenous Initiatives. “BCIT has accommodated and embraced me as an Indigenous person, and this is too, reconciliation. You’ve allowed me to represent an underrepresented group in society, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”
Closing his speech, Kobie reminded graduates that this is not the end, but rather the beginning. “Take care, walk softly, be kind, and love one another.” Finally, he ended the ceremony by singing a traditional, celebratory song.
Wednesday, June 26, 1:30 pm ceremony
The Wednesday afternoon ceremony was overflowing with people. More than 350 BCIT graduates from the BCIT School of Computing and Academic Studies and the BCIT School of Health Sciences crossed the stage this afternoon.
Tracy Redies, President and CEO of Science World, was the keynote speaker for this ceremony. Tracy recounts how when she first started applying for jobs in 1984, she landed an unexpected job. 36 years later, she has multiple experiences in various industries under her belt. Tracy says, “Be open to opportunities that come along the way. Take risks,” Tracy said.
“Work for organizations whose mission and vision you believe in,” was Tracy’s second piece of advice to the graduates. Reminding graduates to follow their passion, Tracy encouraged them to surround themselves with people who have the same passion.
Sharing her own experience going through a difficult health issue, Tracy emphasized to the graduates that they will be directly impacting the lives of many. “Make the world a better place and solve the pressing problems the world is facing today. Serving others in whatever way you can is the greatest gift in life. Going forward, be open to the world less traveled and seek to help others.”
To close the ceremony, BCIT graduates heard from Valedictorian Charlene Steeves, Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate. Inspired by a speech from an ultramarathon runner, Charlene states that her journey in Nursing has truly emphasized the concept of “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.” She recounted how she was a bundle of nerves during her first clinical day in the hospital with her first patient. But over the course of the next three years, Charlene has seen herself grow to become more resilient, knowledgeable, and compassionate than ever before.
Closing her speech, Charlene thanked all the people who have helped her reach this day, “I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all instructors and mentors we have had over the last few years. We thank you, as you have shaped us into the graduates that stand before you today.”
Thursday, June 27, 9:00 am ceremony
The fifth ceremony celebrated graduates from the BCIT School of Construction and the Environment and the BCIT School of Transportation. There were a total of 360 graduates who crossed the stage.
The keynote for this ceremony was Curtis Hale, Preconstruction Manager at EllisDon. Curtis is a seasoned construction professional with over 23 years of experience in the industry. He has worked on a diverse range of projects, including high-rise buildings, healthcare facilities, commercial spaces, interior fit-outs, and public venues in Canada and Australia. Curtis has held various positions throughout his career, including Carpenter, Superintendent, Project Manager (both on the contractor and client side), and Design manager.
In his speech, Curtis shared how he began his journey in construction at BCIT. While a thirst for adventure led him to build his career in Australia, overcoming change brought him back to Vancouver. “The resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning I embraced were key to navigating the challenges and seizing opportunities.” he reflects. He closes off his address, urging the graduates, “The world is full of possibilities. Seize opportunities, locally and globally, with an open heart and a fearless spirit.”
At the end of the ceremony, Valedictorian Alejandra Loaiza Granda, who is graduating with a Diploma in Architectural Building Technology, gave her address to the graduating class. She shares some of the important lessons that she has learned throughout her time at BCIT, such as asking for help and the importance of community and family. The Valedictorian ends off her address with a reminder to the graduates. “Make your life intentional, because the future is not a destination; it is your own creation.”
