Lindsay Kreeft 
“It was frustrating to be told there wasn’t a market for my product, when I knew there was,” BCIT alum Olivia Lovenmark, CEO and Founder of Duchess Cocktails, describes the pushback she received from people in the industry when starting her premium bottled cocktail company in 2019. Despite being continually told that the alcohol space … Read more
For some, stress can be isolating. For BCIT alumni couple Tarrah and Travis Prasad, an intensive five weeks of stress actually brought them together. “We weren’t in a relationship at the time,” explains Travis, who graduated with Tarrah from the Broadcast and Online Journalism program in 2016. “On-campus classes were finished, and we both happened … Read more
The year was 1981. At the time, then-BCIT student Ron Jacobson was walking to his car with some friends after class when he was stopped in his tracks. “Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the most beautiful woman,” says Ron, now a BCIT alum. “She was carrying a baseball glove and heading … Read more
It was far from love at first sight for BCIT alumni couple Ria Renouf and Jon Hall. “Snobby, serious, and too smart for me,” recalls Ria describing her first impression of Jon, who was her former BCIT classmate and is now her husband. “Technically, the first time we saw each other was on a bus,” … Read more
“I’m not easy to be married to.” Mike Meade admits. The BCIT alum concludes this is due to his obsession with adrenaline-inducing sports, which has resulted in multiple injury-related surgeries. Surgeries through which his wife of 25 years and fellow alum, Shaeesta Meade, supported him. He says his worst accident yet was in 2019. It … Read more
Food insecurity is something that no one should have to face, but according to the BCIT Student Association Advocacy and Wellness Manager, Giovanna Catussi, it’s a sad reality for many students. “Food insecurity has brutal implications on health and well-being,” says Giovanna. “Post-secondary students are exceptionally vulnerable, with over 50 percent of International and Domestic … Read more
National Philanthropy Day is recognized annually on November 15 as a time to reflect on the power of giving back and get involved in causes that are near and dear to the heart. Supporting BCIT’s hardworking students is a meaningful cause year-round, and so honouring them on this year’s National Philanthropy Day was a natural … Read more
May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time of year to reflect on the remarkable contributions made by the Asian community. Now more than ever, it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge the positive impact and outstanding contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage have made, including those of our BCIT alumni, students, and instructors. These … Read more
Before becoming an award-winning founder and CEO in the green building space, Arman Mottaghi was a student in Iran, finishing his bachelor’s degree in urban planning. In 2014, he immigrated from Iran to complete his Master of Applied Science in Building Engineering at BCIT. This move to Canada meant he had to learn not only … Read more
BC Day falls on the first Monday of August every year and offers BC residents a time to celebrate the many contributions of the province’s diverse residents. To help commemorate the day, we’re highlighting 10 BCIT alumni-owned businesses making a difference in British Columbia. From an Indigenous-owned wellness brand to a company committed to protecting … Read more