Fleeing Syria: BCIT alum Layla Khdir overcomes all odds to achieve dreams

Layla Khdir BCIT Broadcast Journalism alum smiles in Global News shirt

Warning: This story contains depictions and discussions of war, which may be distressing for some readers. For free, 24/7 confidential support, call the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789 (no area code needed). At six years old, aspiring journalist and future alumna Layla Khdir was performing nightly news shows to her mirror in her … Read more

A match made in heaven: 56 years of love sparks three generations of BCIT alumni

Waldbauer bcit alumni family stands with arms in front of them smiling, bcit blue background surrounds as a frame

“BCIT was my first love story; Jim was my second,” says BCIT alumna Peggy Waldbauer, Medical Lab Technology, ’67. Peggy recalls that she loved her classes and the memories made with friends on the BCIT Burnaby Campus. Little did she know, her affinity for BCIT would lead to finding her future soulmate, sparking the next … Read more

Magic recipe ignites workplace romance: BCIT alumni Resident Advisors find love on campus 12 years ago

Smiling BCIT alumni Resident Advisors in wedding dress and suite holding toddler

Finding love at BCIT is a story shared by many alumni couples. Meeting someone through work may be just as common, according to a recent Forbes study revealing that 43 percent of the respondents had married someone they met at work. For BCIT alumni couple Carmen Cottini and William Nicholos, the odds of love were … Read more

Give thoughtfully with the fourth-annual BCIT Alumni Holiday Market

BCIT Alumni Holiday Market

Find the perfect gift for loved ones and feel great knowing you’re supporting local alumni-owned businesses through the BCIT Alumni Holiday Market. Running November 1 to December 31, 2023, the fourth-annual online market offers thoughtful gift ideas ranging from organic skincare products and Indigenous art to modern home goods and curated vintage clothing pieces. The … Read more

Small community, big impact: Diagnostic sonography alum Samantha Bienias finds purpose in helping others

Sam Bienias sits smiling to camera in front of white background with hands crossed

Demand for skilled healthcare professionals is rising in Canada as the industry continues to face labour shortages (Statistics Canada, 2023) that significantly impact small, rural communities like Wainwright, Alberta. “It’s just me and one receptionist at a small clinic serving a large geographic area,” says Samantha Bienias, the one medical sonographer stationed at a remote … Read more

A lifechanging career in education: Alumna and instructor Dr. Judy Shandler dedicates 40 years to student success

BCIT alumna Dr Judy Shandler smiles against a white backdrop

In the 1990s, Dr. Judy Shandler, who was teaching at BCIT as well as Vancouver Community College (VCC), was invited to participate in an exchange program to Mysore India and teach at an all-women polytechnic. It was pivotal to Judy’s career as an educator. “My experience teaching abroad was transformative and shaped how I teach … Read more

BCIT alumna Molly Hudson inspires progress as VP of Sustainability and first woman Chief Forester at Mosaic Forest Management

bcit alumna molly hudson poses in hard hat and vest in forest

From a tree planter nearly two decades ago to her new role as Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Forester at Mosaic Forest Management, Molly Hudson carved an uncharted path in an industry traditionally dominated by men. “Being the first woman chief forester in our organization’s history has some symbolism to it,” shares Molly, who … Read more

Protecting the planet: BCIT Ecological Restoration alum looks to Indigenous land stewardship with hope for the future

Erin Rutherford smiles surrounded by green leaves in a natural landscape, wearing all black

In fall 2021, an extensive ecological restoration project was initiated to rebuild and conserve the foreshore area of Granite Falls in Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park. Led by Tsleil-Waututh Nation in partnership with SeaChange Marine Conservation Society and BC Parks, the project was guided by historical knowledge from Nation members and involved many scientists … Read more

Alumni leaders inspire an entrepreneurial mindset at the 2023 BCIT Alumni Association AGM

Four people in front of BCIT Zoom backgrounds, smiling

On June 15, 2023, more than 110 attendees gathered virtually for the 2023 Online Annual General Meeting (AGM) and special alumni panel presentation, Engage Your Entrepreneurial Mindset. BCIT Alumni Association President Emil Bosnjak welcomed attendees from across the BCIT community including alumni, current and past Alumni Association directors and presidents, the BCIT Leadership Team, the … Read more

Juggling it all: 3 BCIT alumni moms share advice on career success and parenthood

BCIT alumna Susanne Muldon sits between two of her teenage daughters smiling

In recognition of BCIT alumni mothers and all that they do, we’re sharing the advice and inspiring stories of three alumni moms who are excelling in their careers. These alums working in construction, real estate, and business, demonstrate that the skills required to succeed at BCIT—including time management, collaboration, and commitment—are just as transferrable to … Read more