annual report 2018/19 · forbes article highlights how so many companies are now realizing that the...

——ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19

Who are we?

We are the focused. The driven.Those who need to understand.

We are the ambitious. The entrepreneurial.Those who never stop innovating.

We are the initiators. The uncompromising.Those who know it can be done sustainably.

We are the relentless. The inspired.Those who have conquered the complexity.

— THE BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.EDUCATION FOR A COMPLEX WORLD.

1BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 2019

I am so proud to be a BCIT alumnus. BCIT gave me exactly what I needed to succeed. Over the years, I have built three successful national businesses in the wireless sector, and sold two of them. My wife and I raised a family, and two of my three daughters are also now graduates of BCIT. It has been an absolute honour to re-join the BCIT Alumni Association Board this year, to give back by serving as your President.

We are proudly celebrating the association’s 40th anniversary throughout 2019. BCIT alumni are everywhere, in every sector. We make vital contributions to our local economy every day, and have far-reaching impact across the globe. This is why BCIT alumni – now 185,000 strong – are highly respected and sought by

employers across BC, Canada, and beyond. Our alumni are proud ambassadors of BCIT and true examples of why BCIT matters.

This past year has been one of renewal and growth for the BCIT Alumni Association. With our 2018 alumni survey results in hand, our board crafted a new vision, mission, and strategic plan to focus our work over the next three years, outlined on page 14. As we reflect on our legacy and look to the future, we pledge to foster alumni success, give back to our BCIT community, and engage alumni for life. I hope you enjoy reading about the accomplishments and highlights of our year, including launching the association’s first international chapter in Hong Kong, and celebrating success at the BCIT Distinguished Awards gala.

On behalf of the board, I sincerely thank BCIT and our partners for your ongoing support of the association, and all of our engaged alumni around the world. Together, we will continue forging BCIT’s path to inspire the future.

Emil Bosnjak, Marketing Management ‘88 President BCIT Alumni Association

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The British Columbia Institute of Technology is grateful to be located on the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish People.

3BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 20192 BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 2019

As the BCIT Alumni Association celebrates its 40th anniversary, BCIT has enjoyed another outstanding year as we continue to prepare students for the changing needs of the workplace across all industry sectors. Whether you work in business, computing, health sciences, construction, energy, or transportation, you are no doubt experiencing rapid changes in technology and the increasing importance of soft skills including communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

BCIT has completed a new three-year Strategic Plan: a platform from which to maximize our relevance, reach, and renewal. Thank you to those of you who participated along with students, industry leaders, and faculty and staff. I’m confident you’ll see your input reflected throughout this plan, and particularly

in our commitment to further expand our globally relevant connections. This plan will ensure we remain at the forefront of applied education and maintain our resilience to meet the changing needs of both students and employers. You can learn more at bcit.ca/strategic-plan.

BCIT and the BCIT Alumni Association have long shared a common purpose: to serve current and future alumni. We are tremendously proud of you, our graduates, who effectively and passionately embrace and lead in this evolving new world. You are a living and breathing testament to our shared success.

On behalf of everyone at BCIT, thank you to the BCIT Alumni Association for giving back to BCIT and supporting our graduates throughout your 40-year history and into the future. My heartfelt congratulations on your milestone anniversary.

Kathy Kinloch President BCIT

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF BCIT

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 20194 5BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 2019

VICE PRESIDENT

KIEL LANDRIGAN CIM CFP

PORTFOLIO MANAGER & INVESTMENT ADVISOR, TD WEALTH

CHAIR, ENGAGEMENT

KRISTEN SCHREINER

DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN SENIOR MANAGER, SAP

PRESIDENT

EMIL BOSNJAK

PRESIDENT & CEO, BWIRELESS & SIMPLIFY WIRELESS

PAST PRESIDENT

ELENA ROMERO

DIRECTOR OF SALES, WORKFORCE & HR SOLUTIONS, TPD

DIRECTOR

RESHMEENA LALANI CPA CA

CEO, INHERENT DIAMONDS & JEWELS MANAGER, AGGRESSIVE TAX PLANNING, CANADA REVENUE AGENCY

DIRECTOR

ANDREW D. MURRAY

OWNER, THEBAG.CAPARTNER, GLOBAL STUDENT AGENCY

DIRECTOR

ARASH SALAMATI

DISTRICT MANAGER, BC DIVISION, TANGERINE

EX-OFFICIO

LESLIE COURCHESNE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORBCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

TREASURER

MELISSA BILLESBERGER CPA CGA

CONTROLLER RAMMP HOSPITALITY BRANDS INC.

DIRECTOR

AVINAASH KAPIL

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, ISLAND KEY COMPUTER LTD.

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

DIRECTOR

CHRISTIAN COLQUHOUN

VICE PRESIDENT, EXTERNAL BCIT STUDENT ASSOCIATION

VICE PRESIDENT

MANPREET DHILLON

FOUNDER VEZA COMMUNITY

CHAIR, GOVERNANCE

MATTHEW NOLLETTI

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER, PELESYS LEARNING SYSTEMS INC.

DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA GUNN

GRADUATE AWARDS MANAGER, SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

—— Our sincere thanks to six alumni volunteering as Members-at-Large on board committees this year: Tim den Engelsen, Jared Fedosoff, Ardis Nelson, Bob Ostle, Gerry Townsend, and Anne Marie Webb-Hughes. We also thank BCIT Alumni Relations Assistant Carolyn Taylor, for her wonderful support to the board.

6 BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 2019

——

BCIT Distinguished Awards gala, Vancouver

Convention Centre, October 2018.


Elyse Allan is a passionate champion for Canada’s competitiveness, advancing the country’s science and technology base and competitive fiscal policy. She has worked across many sectors of BCIT’s strategic focus: training technically-minded workers for the fields of power and hydro, oil and gas, aviation, health care, transportation, and capital financing.

Elyse actively engages in developing and shaping public policy through industry groups, research, and advocacy organizations. She has participated on a number of advisory boards focused on Canada’s competitiveness, energy strategy, economic development, transportation strategy, and access to credit. Elyse was recognized in the Top 100 Women of Influence Hall of Fame by the Women’s Executive Network, the YWCA Woman of Distinction (Business), and by Maclean’s and Canadian Business magazines as one of Canada’s most influential business leaders. In 2014, she was appointed Member of the Order of Canada.

Elyse spoke about the power of team-based cultures and having a balance of soft and hard skills. “It seems that the education process often drives us down the path of either the hard skills or a separate path of liberal arts and soft skills,” she said. “But a recent Forbes article highlights how so many companies are now realizing that the real secret sauce is about having both.”

Roberta Jamieson leads Indspire — a nationally registered charitable organization dedicated to deliver programs for Indigenous peoples in Canada to achieve their potential — and is Executive Producer of the Indspire Awards. A Mohawk woman who has enjoyed a distinguished career of firsts, Roberta was the first First Nation woman in Canada to earn a law degree. She was the first non-parliamentarian appointed an ex-officio member of a House of Commons Committee, the first woman Ombudsman of Ontario, and the first woman elected Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She is a member of Gender Equality Advisory Council for Canada’s G7 Presidency and former member of Hydro One’s Board of Directors. She also served as Commissioner of the Indian Commission of Ontario. In her acceptance speech, she spoke about our obligation to put our talents to use in the service of others. “We’re taught to look way out into the future, to the seventh generation, whose faces we can still see coming towards us,” said Roberta. “That’s our job. Every decision we make, to see what is the impact on that seventh generation.” She has earned numerous awards, including YWCA’s President’s Award and Women’s Executive Network’s ‘Canada’s Most Powerful Women’ Hall of Fame. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada.

BCIT DISTINGUISHED AWARDS

The BCIT Alumni Association proudly partnered with BCIT on the marquee Distinguished Awards gala held October 22, 2018. Nearly 1,000 guests joined us at the Vancouver Convention Centre to celebrate our six honorees. For more information and videos, visit bcit.ca/alumni/awards

HONORARY DOCTORATEELYSE ALLAN Former President & CEO GE Canada

“The real secret sauce is about having both hard and soft skills.”

HONORARY DOCTORATEROBERTA JAMIESON President & CEO Indspire

“That’s our job. Every decision we make, to see what is the impact on that seventh generation.”



DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDNIGEL BENNETTCo-founder and Principal, Aqua-Guard Spill Response Inc. Nigel Bennett, Mechanical Engineering Technology alumnus, co-founded Aqua-Guard Spill Response Inc. with the goal of protecting the world’s most precious resource — water. For over 25 years, the company has designed, fabricated, and supplied marine oil spill response equipment, and provided related services to over 3,000 clients worldwide. Aqua-Guard’s patented oil-skimming technology is used to clean up spills from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico and from Egypt to China. Nigel and Aqua-Guard have received multiple awards for their innovation, business excellence, and entrepreneurialism. An active philanthropist, he published Take that Leap: Risking it All for What Really Matters, recounting his business and personal adventures. Nigel has been an active member of MIT’s Entrepreneurs Masters Program for 14 years and of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization for 15 years. To raise awareness of the plight of homeless youth, he has brought executives with him to sleep on the streets in Vancouver. In his acceptance speech, Nigel described overcoming dyslexia and ADD to graduate from BCIT. “Over the years, I started believing that my greatest challenges were my greatest gifts,” he said.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDMISCHA STEINERFounder and CEO, Awesense Mischa Steiner, a graduate of BCIT’s Electronics – Wireless Communication and Computer Networks program, is founder and CEO of Vancouver-based clean tech success story Awesense. He has expanded Awesense across the globe, reaching new heights in its efforts to save energy for their customers while significantly combating climate change. For several consecutive years, Awesense, which helps electric utilities optimize and modernize the electrical distribution grid, has also been recognized as a Top 100 Cleantech Company. Awesense received the BCIC–New Ventures 2011 Sustainability Award, was the highest ranked Cleantech company in Deloitte’s Fast50 in 2017, and received GE’s Innovation Award in 2018. Mischa is a frequent speaker and panelist at industry conferences, university programs and government events on smart cities, clean economy, AI and the innovation potential of technology to transform business and society. In his acceptance speech, Mischa talked about the UN Climate Change Report. “It’s not good,” he said. “We are on a trajectory to surpass 2°C in global warming… That said, I am highly encouraged by the possibility of solving such a global challenge. And it is with technology that we will solve it.”

“I am highly encouraged by the possibility of solving such a global challenge.”

“Over the years, I started believing that my greatest challenges were my greatest gifts.”


FACULTY AND STAFF ASSOCIATION DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDTARA WILKIEBCIT Instructor and Forensic Nurse Examiner, Fraser Health Authority Tara Wilkie is an alumna of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a practicing Forensic Nurse Examiner and ER Nurse. She is a leading expert in the human trafficking component of forensic nursing whose knowledge has contributed to the work of Fraser Health Authority through the development of a human trafficking awareness model. Tara has made an enormous and unique contribution to the knowledge base of healthcare providers, law enforcement, and justice system in the Lower Mainland, provincially and nationally. Her work has increased understanding of human trafficking by healthcare professionals to identify potential victims and help those in need. “BCIT has been my foundation for 17 years, and it’s here I am encouraged to create change to help those most in need. I attribute my growth to the incredible BCIT instructors and faculty, and my forensics colleagues who have mentored me along the way. My strength and perseverance comes from my patients, who inspire me daily to be a better person.” She accepted the award on behalf of those who have experienced violence.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDMOSHTAGH MOHAMMADIEngineering Technologist, McElhanney, Civil Engineering ’18 Moshtagh Mohammadi came to Canada as a refugee after fleeing his native Iran with his father and brother in 2002. “This, right now, is still unbelievable for me,” said a grateful Moshtagh, who went on to thank friends, family, and mentors during his acceptance speech. Moshtagh chose BCIT for its hands-on learning, becoming the first in his family to receive a post-secondary education. He excelled at BCIT, receiving the Marshall J. Heinekey Civil Engineering Award, serving as Chair for his School with the BCIT Student Association and on the organizing committee for the Western Engineering Competition, and placing as a finalist in BCIT’s Presentation Idol competition. Moshtagh is an active volunteer in the Bahá’i community, through the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program, mentoring youth in New Westminster and Burnaby.

Join us at BCIT’s next Distinguished Awards gala Tuesday, October 22, 2019. Register at bcit.ca/awards


“This, right now, is still unbelievable for me.”

“My strength and perseverance comes from my patients, who inspire me daily to be a better person.”

https://www.bcit.ca/alumni/awards/daa/

10 BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 2019 11BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 2019

On January 22, BCIT alumni and corporate executives celebrated the launch of the BCIT Alumni Association’s (BCITAA) Hong Kong alumni chapter. The chapter will connect alumni and support BCIT’s extensive international activities in the region, including China and Vietnam. “This is an historic day for the BCIT Alumni Association, establishing our first international alumni chapter as we celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2019,” said BCITAA President Emil Bosnjak. “Our alumni have far-reaching impact across the globe. This new Hong Kong chapter will provide opportunities for alumni to connect with each other and with BCIT.” BCIT alumni now number more than 185,000, with nearly 9,000 living abroad in more than 100 countries around the world. Hundreds are in Hong Kong. “Hong Kong is a strategically important market for both BCIT and the alumni association, and we are very pleased to establish a presence on the Pacific Rim,” said BCIT Vice President, Advancement, Paul McCullough. “With a BCIT alumni chapter in Hong Kong, BCIT can identify opportunities, and gain traction for alumni engagement and wider institutional activities in the region.” “Congratulations on the establishment of BCIT Hong Kong alumni chapter and the alumni association’s 40th anniversary,” said Consul General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao, Jeff Nankivell. “You are de facto

ambassadors of Canada in Hong Kong. The knowledge you share and connections you build provide the foundation for Canada-Hong Kong relationships. The Consulate General cherishes our close partnership with BCIT and the BCIT Hong Kong alumni chapter, and looks forward to further strengthening our people-to-people, cultural and educational ties and promoting Canadian values in Hong Kong.” The BCIT Alumni Association has appointed Darren Plested as BCIT Hong Kong alumni ambassador to lead this initiative. A 1994 graduate of BCIT’s engineering technology program, Darren is the head of business development and innovation at Infiniti’s global head office. He has lived and worked in Hong Kong for nearly two decades. “I look forward to building the BCIT alumni chapter here in Hong Kong, and leveraging the expertise I have in Asia to provide opportunities and connections for BCIT and BCIT alumni in the region,” said Darren. The launch event was hosted at KPMG Hong Kong, Prince’s Building, followed by a celebration lunch at The Hong Kong Club. For more information about the BCIT Alumni Association’s Hong Kong alumni chapter, visit bcit.ca/hongkong.

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES HONG KONG CHAPTER

——Cutting the ribbon (L – R): Dr. Lawrence Gu, Dean, BCIT International; Leslie Courchesne, Executive Director, BCIT Alumni Association; Jeff Nankivell, Consul General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao; Emil Bosnjak, President, BCIT Alumni Association; Brad Kirk, COO Harilela Hotels and BCIT Distinguished Alumnus 2017; Paul McCullough, BCIT Vice President Advancement; Darren Plested, BCIT Hong Kong Alumni Ambassador.

FEATURE

http://bcit.ca/hongkong


—— BCIT Alumni Association Annual General Meeting,

Downtown Campus, June 2018


When Nigel Bennett was in his first year of BCIT’s Mechanical Engineering diploma program, his marks were so low that the dean at the time told him he’d have to leave. Nigel begged to stay, promising to do whatever it took to earn that privilege. The dean told him that if he took all the classes at which he had already failed during the evenings and took a full load of classes during the day and did well in all of them, he could stay. “I worked my butt off,” recalled Nigel. “But I learned to never give up and I tried to surround myself with really good people.” That early lesson got him through the program and made him a BCIT alumnus. It also became the foundation for a career that had many challenges. As the keynote speaker at the BCIT Alumni Association’s 2018 AGM on June 11, Nigel, founder of Aqua-Guard Spill Response Inc., a company that provides state-of-the-art oil spill response solutions around the world, shared his story with an audience of BCIT alumni, faculty and staff. Aqua Guard started when Nigel’s friend approached him with a rudimentary prototype of an oil spill-skimming device made of a large Tupperware tub with a plastic brush and hand crank. They refined the device and began successfully selling it to organizations across the globe. For decades, they overcame challenges, grew and expanded their products, developing equipment for offshore deep-water spill response, and for the icy waters of the Arctic. By the mid 2000s, with equipment deployed in more than 100 countries, the company was so successful that Nigel received an offer of purchase in 2010. A competitor wanted to buy the company. His dreams had come true, or so he thought. “I thought, ‘Wow, I’ve made it! This is what I’d always wanted’,” he said. “I was ready to sign the papers.” But after lengthy negotiations, personal reflection, and soul searching, in 2011, he changed his mind when he was asked a simple question, thanks to Simon Sinek: What’s my why? His answer: to protect the world’s most precious resource — water. “So I took the deal off the table and didn’t sell the company,” he said. “Instead, I use the company to

—— BCIT alumnus, entrepreneur, author, world traveller, extreme

adventurer, philanthropist, and family man Nigel Bennett.

do good and to bring awareness to many things.” This year, he published Take That Leap: Risking it All for What Really Matters, and has quickly become a sought-after guest speaker. Nigel also released an app called TruBeach to raise awareness of the world’s polluted waters and bring about change. He ended his inspirational presentation with a call to act, “Being BCIT alumni — all of us here — we have a personal responsibility to give back. I really believe that institutions like BCIT are the best chance for change on the planet. As alumni, we have a great responsibility to inspire that change.” Nigel’s keynote address capped off the largest-ever AGM, with 180 in attendance at the Downtown Campus.

BCIT GRAD NIGEL BENNETT INSPIRES ALUMNI TO CHANGE THE WORLD

2018 BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING


ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

OUR VISION

A global community of passionate alumni promoting the excellence of BCIT.

OUR MISSION

To foster alumni success, give back to our BCIT community, and engage alumni for life.

STRATEGIC PLAN HIGHLIGHTS 2019 – 2022: FOUR KEY PRIORITIES

ABOUT THE BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

REGIONAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

PHILANTHROPY & REVENUE GENERATION

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PAST PRESIDENTS CIRCLE

For more information, visit bcit.ca/alumni

——

Founded by graduates in 1979, the BCIT Alumni Association is a registered, non-profit society governed by a volunteer board of directors. We have grown to 185,000 members across the globe. All BCIT graduates who have earned a credential of 21 credit hours or more are alumni, and members of the association.

Increase meaningful engagement for BCIT alumni across key membership segments (Prominent Alumni, Career Climbers, and New Alumni) in four engagement categories:

1. Volunteerism 2. Experiential & Events 3. Philanthropic Giving 4. Communication &

Recognition

With 185,000+ alumni and growing, we know thousands are in other Canadian provinces, and nearly 9,000 are located across 100+ countries around the world. In addition to our online and Lower Mainland engagement strategies, we endeavour to build regional engagement opportunities in the following key markets:

1. Hong Kong 2. Toronto 3. Vancouver Island 4. BC Interior 5. Fraser Valley

The association generates revenue to fund programs and services for alumni, and to give back to the BCIT community. BCIT has launched the largest campaign in its 50-year history, INSPIRE. The association aims to be a significant donor to this campaign. Over the term of this plan, we will increase and diversify revenue to enhance alumni programs, and reach our philanthropic goal of making a major, multi-year pledge to the INSPIRE campaign.

With 40 years of proud history, the BCIT Alumni Association is sincerely grateful to its Past Presidents for building a strong organization and foundational legacy. Through strategically engaging our Past Presidents and maintaining relationships, we will identify and leverage opportunities to advance our mission. These leaders have extensive knowledge and experience to contribute, as well a vested interest in the success of the association and BCIT.

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

ChinaUS South

Korea

*More than 100 other countries have less than 200 alumni each.

BC (147,000)

AB (3,500)

ON (2000)

Other (3,500)

ALUMNI IN CANADA:

156,0000

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

ChinaUS South

Korea

*More than 100 other countries have less than 200 alumni each.

BC (147,000)

AB (3,500)

ON (2000)

Other (3,500)

GLOBAL ALUMNI

8,200*

BCIT BY THE NUMBERS

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 2019 15

152,000

4,700 $4.8M $2.5M

49,000

TOTAL ALUMNI CONTACTABLE ALUMNI

total alumni donors

total philanthropic giving

alumni personal giving

CONTACTABLE WITH EMAIL

$1.3MBCIT Alumni Association philanthropic giving

6 51,700indigenous students

50,000 4,000 2,400students enrolled annually international students

from 100+ countriesemployees

schools

96%of degree graduates are employed

185,000

campuses

http://bcit.ca/alumni


In 1979, 15 years after BCIT first opened its doors, the BCIT Alumni Association (BCITAA) was founded to serve its 12,000 members. Today, there are more than 185,000 BCIT alumni worldwide making significant contributions in applied and natural sciences, business, computing and Information technology, trades, engineering, and health sciences. “We are excited to celebrate BCIT Alumni Association’s 40th anniversary,” says BCITAA President Emil Bosnjak. “For decades, BCIT alumni have been everywhere, in every sector, making crucial contributions to the economy, with far-reaching impact across the globe. The association provides that ongoing, vital connection to BCIT and our fellow alumni, with excellent opportunities to network, grow your career, and give back.”

The association has donated more than $1.3 million to the BCIT Foundation, enabling close to 1,000 BCIT students to pursue their dreams with the help of awards and bursaries. This September, 40 BCIT students will receive a $1,000 BCIT Alumni Association 40th Anniversary Entrance Award, totalling $40,000. This donation aligns with the association’s mission to foster alumni success, give back to the BCIT community, and engage alumni for life. “BCIT and the BCIT Alumni Association share a common purpose: to serve current and future alumni,” says BCIT President Kathy Kinloch. “We are tremendously proud of our graduates. They are a testament to our shared success. Thank you, BCIT Alumni Association, for giving back to BCIT and supporting our graduates throughout your 40-year history. My heartfelt congratulations to you on your milestone anniversary.”

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN 2019

#BCITALUMNI40

BCIT Alumni Association incorporates as a society.

‘Willingdon Club’ is created to give alumni members benefits and discounts, to help fund association activities.

The number of BCIT alumni reaches 25,000.

The Alumni Association launches its first website.

Alumni Association celebrates 25 years, as number of alumni reaches 100,000.

Volunteers produce the first Alumni Association newsletter.

The Alumni Association Endowment Fund established to support student scholarships and bursaries.

The inaugural BCIT Distinguished Alumni Awards gala is held with 340 guests.

The Alumni Association sends a welcome CD-ROM to new graduates.

2006The Alumni Association endowment grows to $1 million, making it the largest endowment supporting BCIT students.

2011The Alumni Association celebrates 40 years, and launches its first international chapter in Hong Kong. Alumni grow to 185,000 spanning 100 countries across the globe.

1979

1982

1986 1991

1989

1999 2004

2003

BCIT celebrates 50 years, merging the Distinguished Alumni Awards with its anniversary gala, with 1,300 guests.

2014

2019


Join the BCIT Alumni Association as it celebrates 40 years. Visit bcit.ca/alumni/40 to view historical photos and yearbooks, upcoming events and more. Event attendees throughout the year receive a 40th anniversary commemorative pin.

#BCITALUMNI40

“BCIT alumni and the BCIT Alumni Association have so much to be proud of,” said Anne Marie Webb-Hughes, past president 1980 – 81 and co-founder of the BCIT Alumni Association. “In 1979, three of us got together in a cubbyhole office on campus to found the association, and from there it grew. Today, there are so many reasons to stay connected – from networking opportunities, to international executive field schools and mentoring current students. As a BCIT graduate, you belong to a passionate and vibrant global community of alumni. Take advantage of that.”

BCIT Alumni Association incorporates as a society.

‘Willingdon Club’ is created to give alumni members benefits and discounts, to help fund association activities.

The number of BCIT alumni reaches 25,000.

The Alumni Association launches its first website.

Alumni Association celebrates 25 years, as number of alumni reaches 100,000.

Volunteers produce the first Alumni Association newsletter.

The Alumni Association Endowment Fund established to support student scholarships and bursaries.

The inaugural BCIT Distinguished Alumni Awards gala is held with 340 guests.

The Alumni Association sends a welcome CD-ROM to new graduates.

2006The Alumni Association endowment grows to $1 million, making it the largest endowment supporting BCIT students.

2011The Alumni Association celebrates 40 years, and launches its first international chapter in Hong Kong. Alumni grow to 185,000 spanning 100 countries across the globe.

1979

1982

1986 1991

1989

1999 2004

2003

BCIT celebrates 50 years, merging the Distinguished Alumni Awards with its anniversary gala, with 1,300 guests.

2014

2019

#BCITALUMNI40

http://bcit.ca/alumni/40


Who do you trust to lead change? If you answered ‘my employer’, you’re in line with the 79 per cent of Canadians who say CEOs should take the lead on change, rather than waiting for government to impose it. According to the 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer survey results, people agree that CEOs can create positive change on important issues including pay equity, prejudice and discrimination, and training for the jobs of tomorrow. Canadians trust their employer to do the right thing more than the government, NGOs, and the media.

This localized trust presents a unique opportunity to today’s business leaders in Metro Vancouver and beyond. Top executives and CEOs were keen to explore The Battle for Truth: 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer at a breakfast event on March 6. Co-hosted by MacKay CEO Forums, Edelman, and the BCIT Alumni Association (BCITAA) at the BCIT Downtown Campus in Vancouver, BCITAA President Emil Bosnjak and BCIT Vice President Advancement Paul McCullough welcomed the 80-plus guests.

“Employees are looking to employers to lead on important issues,” said BCIT alumna Bridgitte Anderson, general manager, Edelman Vancouver, who presented the trust barometer survey results. “More than two-thirds of Canadians believe that a company can take specific action to make a better world for everyone. For example,

Patagonia took a strong stand on climate change, donating their recent U.S. tax cut to the cause. And when MEC was called out for lack of diversity in their ads, the CEO led the charge on representing diversity through its See Yourself Outside ad campaign and on his board.”

Moderated by MacKay CEO Forums (MCF) Founder Nancy MacKay, a panel of three CEOs then shared their success — beyond just profits — within their own organizations.

“Today, what is right is changing more than profits, it’s about social responsibility,” said Peter Blake, BCIT alumnus, and former CEO of WesternOne Inc. and Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers. “If you want to build an organization and attract and retain top talent, you’d better lean in to this. The train has left the station, and hopefully, you’re not still sitting on the platform.”

Brent Charleton, a BCIT alumnus, past president of BCIT Alumni Association, and president and CEO or EnWave, talked about how he sees credibility as the currency for success. He said he prioritized achieving alignment or buy-in with his team to create trust among his employees and encouraged honest and direct communication.

“We were stuck choosing opportunity over values, and had misaligned objectives at the senior leadership level,” said Sunny Ghataurah, BCIT alumnus and president of AES Engineering Ltd. “So we worked to build trust and engagement with our employees. Everyone is highly communicative and we have more alignment than ever before.” He added his company grew by one third and revenues have increased 20 per cent over the previous year.

“It’s important to look at trust and leadership,” said Paul McCullough, vice president, BCIT Advancement. “As an educator of the leaders of tomorrow, BCIT is proud to help lead this trust conversation with MacKay CEO Forums and Edelman to inspire change.”

In closing, Nancy MacKay challenged the audience to lead with purpose: “Go beyond serving shareholders. Deliver value. Establish yourself as a trusted source. Engage on issues that matter. It sounds risky but your employees are expecting you to take the lead.”

WHO DO CANADIANS TRUST MOST, AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE?

SPEAKER PANEL: THE BATTLE FOR TRUTH

—— (L – R): Emil Bosnjak, President, BCIT Alumni Association; Paul McCullough, Vice President, BCIT Advancement; Leslie Courchesne, Executive Director, BCIT Alumni Association; Peter Blake, Corporate Director; Nancy MacKay, CEO, MacKay CEO Forums; Bridgitte Anderson, General Manager, Edelman Vancouver; Brent Charleton, President & CEO, EnWave; and Sunny Ghataurah, President, AES Engineering Ltd.


——BCIT alumni and industry leaders at The Battle for Truth, Downtown Campus, March 2019.

20 BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT 2019

—— BCIT Alumni Association President Emil Bosnjak congratulates

new alumni at Convocation, June 2018.


WELCOME NEW ALUMNIMore than 5,000 new graduates join the BCIT alumni family each year. The BCIT Alumni Association welcomes them at Convocation and graduation ceremonies held throughout the year, and through a welcome e-newsletter. Do you still have the BCIT Alumni pin you received at Convocation? If not, contact us for a replacement, and you can once again wear it proudly: [email protected]

STORIES AND NEWSWe shared compelling alumni stories and BCIT news with 48,000 alumni through our quarterly e-newsletter, and online through the BCIT News website, BCIT Alumni website, and social media channels. Read about alumnus Stephen Jenkins changing the energy landscape in West Africa, alumna and Certified Prosthetist Brittany Pousett helping amputees as young as two years, alumni Ariela Badenas and Andrew Chen finding success with fermented soybeans, and many more stories. Our most popular story of the year? Romance blossoming for BCIT alumni couples, published in time for Valentine’s Day. Sign up for the newsletter, and read the full stories: bcit.ca/alumni

SOCIAL MEDIAContests, offers, archival photos of BCIT over the decades, stories, event information, and more were shared with our growing social media following. We are exceeding 15,000 impressions per month across Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Find us @bcitalumniassociation @bcitalumni

61%

6.88%

27.8%

COMMUNICATIONS

SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWER GROWTH (APRIL 1, 2018 TO MARCH 31, 2019)


STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONYear ended March 31, 2019 with comparative information for 2018.

2019 2018

ASSETS

Cash on Hand

Petty Cash $ – $ 49 General Account 400,467 195,519 Accounts Receivable 3,234 – Prepaid Expenses 2,523 2,475

Investments – 176,456

TOTAL ASSETS $ 406,224 $ 374,499

LIABILITIES $7,257 $ 3,845 INTERNALLY RESTRICTED 176,000 176,000 UNRESTRICTED 222,967 194,654

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 406,224 $ 374,499

Emil Bosnjak, President Melissa Billesberger, Treasurer

BCIT Alumni Association BCIT Alumni Association

TREASURER’S REPORT


STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS Year ended March 31, 2019 with comparative information for 2018.

2019 2018

REVENUE

Affinity Programs $ 144,613 $ 142,,400

Alumni myBCIT cards 6,145 5,300

Merchandising (Convocation flowers, etc.) 1,734 1,717

Event Revenue (ticket sales, auction proceeds, sponsorship) 3,000 –

Interest 8,156 5,724

TOTAL REVENUE $ 163,647 $ 155,141

EXPENSES

Board of Directors

Board/Committee Meetings (including AGM) $ 19,705 $ 1,184

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance 2,475 2,475

Donations 42,500 2,500

Legal and Professional Services 1,039 2,547

Contributions to Endowments

Legacy of Leadership – 78,333

Special Events

Distinguished Alumni Awards 20,000 17,500

Sponsorship and External Participation 38,083 22,185

Merchandise Supplies 1,233 1,116

Marketing and Communications 3,100 –

General and Administrative 7,199 4,147

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 135,334 $ 131,987

SURPLUS $ 28,313 $ 23,154

TREASURER’S REPORT


—— BCIT Foundation hosted a reception in May 2018 to celebrate the BCIT Alumni Association’s long-standing generosity (L – R): Paul McCullough, Vice President, BCIT Advancement; Elena Romero, Past President, BCIT Alumni Association; Jackie Jacob, Executive Director, BCIT Foundation; Jack Davidson, Past Chair, BCIT Board of Governors


In 1985, Wham’s ‘Careless Whisper’ topped the pop charts, Michael Jordan was the NBA’s rookie of the year, the final episode of ‘The Friendly Giant’ aired on CBC Television, and the BCIT Alumni Association made its first donation to BCIT. Since then, the association has awarded nearly 900 student scholarships and bursaries totalling more than $1 million, and philanthropic giving adding up to a phenomenal $1.3 million.

Through our two endowments and our $500,000 gift to the Legacy of Leadership campaign, the association recognizes excellence in BCIT students and helps them overcome financial obstacles. With support from generous donors, the BCIT Alumni Association is proud to continue its partnership with the BCIT Foundation to prepare and support tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 40TH ANNIVERSARY ENTRANCE AWARDS $40,000

OUTSTANDING STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD $2,500

STUDENT AWARDS DISBURSED ON BEHALF OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN 2018/19 34 awards totalling $51,111 were disbursed as follows:

JUNE 2018 – GRADUATING AWARDS

$8,400 (5 @ $1,680) School of Business School of Computing and Academic Studies School of Construction and Environment School of Energy School of Health Sciences

NOVEMBER 2018 – ENTRANCE AWARDS

$7,500 (5 @ $1,500) School of Health Sciences (5)

NOVEMBER 2018 – FIRST YEAR ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

$8,436 (6 @ $1,406) School of Business School of Computing and Academic Studies School of Construction and Environment School of Energy School of Health Sciences School of Transportation

JANUARY 2019 – ENTRANCE AWARDS $1,500 School of Health Sciences MARCH 2019 – BURSARIES $25,275 (17 @ various amounts) School of Business School of Computing and Academic Studies School of Construction and Environment School of Energy School of Health Sciences

AWARD TOTALS SINCE INCEPTIONSince the endowments have been funded, 885 students have benefitted from the awards, receiving a total of $1,021,056.

ENDOWMENT VALUES BCIT Alumni Association Scholarship and Bursary Endowment (held by Vancouver Foundation) – $810,000

BCIT Alumni Association Scholarship and Bursary Endowment – $404,136 TOTAL: $1,214,136

BCIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GIVING MAKES A BIG IMPACT

DONATIONS & AWARDS


The BCIT Alumni Association is proud to partner with organizations to enhance services and opportunities for our growing alumni base.

The BCIT Alumni Association was pleased to partner with BCIT on a national sponsorship of MacKay CEO Forums, as part of our engagement strategy with prominent alumni. We continued our sponsorship of BCIT’s Distinguished Awards gala. We also deeply value our partnership with the BCIT Student Association, running career services for alumni, a robust alumni-student mentorship program, Industry Days career fairs, and speaker panel events featuring BCIT alumni. And we continue to sponsor the ASTTBC’s AGM and awards luncheon, and a number of other significant alumni events held on and off campus throughout the year. These programs and events offer valuable engagement opportunities for alumni.

THANK YOU

SPONSORSHIPS

AFFINITY PARTNERS

We are sincerely grateful to our affinity partners. These partnerships help our alumni members and provide an important revenue source to the Association, ensuring we can continue to foster alumni and student success through donations and sponsorships. Our three affinity partners provide exclusive deals, special promotions and preferred rates to benefit our alumni, students, and the BCIT community.

Current benefits:

BMO® BCIT Mastercard® from Bank of Montreal – Reward yourself with 1 AIR MILES®† reward mile for every $20 spent or up to 5% CashBack® for the first three months and pay no annual fee. Terms and conditions apply.

Life, Health, Critical Illness and Disability Insurance from iA Financial Group – Enjoy a variety of flexible, customizable insurance plans to ensure you and your family have the financial resources to recover after a serious illness, accident, or death.

Home insurance from TD Insurance Meloche Monnex – Benefit from preferred insurance rates, other discounts, and great protection that is easily adapted to your changing needs.

For more information, visit bcit.ca/alumni

BMO Bank of Montreal

TD Insurance Meloche Monnex

IA Financial Group


—— The BCIT Alumni Association was proud to sponsor BCIT’s Honouring Our Leaders — Indigenous graduation ceremony, Burnaby Campus, June 2018.



1 Ad Name: BCIT Alumni Store full page ad2 Media: BCIT Alumni Association Year in Review 3 PO #: A20-00294 Size: 8” x 10”5 Colour: Full, Bleed: Full6 Comments: provide print ready file to Emma Berg 7 Artwork deadline: May 8, 2019

— BCIT PRIDESHOW EVERYONE WHAT YOU’RE MADE OF.Check out our new online store for BCIT Alumni-branded items including socks, mugs, water bottles, clothing, and stationery.

Shop now: alumnistore.bcit.ca

Get 20% off! Use promo code BCITPRIDE at checkout.*

* Limit one per customer. Offer expires June 30, 2019.


10 WAYS TO KEEP IN TOUCH

NETWORK at BCIT alumni events and grow your connections.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER with workshops and job search tools.

GET BENEFITS such as discounts and offers from our partners.

HIRE students and alumni to help your organization succeed.

GIVE BACK with any amount to support the Association and BCIT students.

GET SOCIAL and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (search ‘BCIT alumni’).

BE RECOGNIZED by sharing your story or nominating someone for a BCIT award.

UPDATE your contact info to get the latest BCIT news and alumni invitations.

VOLUNTEER to mentor a student, join a committee, or be a guest speaker.

BCIT’s 185,000 alumni are proud ambassadors, conquering today’s complex world and developing new solutions to build a better tomorrow. The BCIT Alumni Association fosters alumni success, gives back to BCIT, and connects our global community of passionate alumni. We’d love to stay in touch with you!

SHOP and show your BCIT pride with Alumni-branded merchandise.

For more details, visit bcit.ca/alumni



—— KEEP IN TOUCH.

ENJOY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS.

604.432.8847 1.877.432.8847 [email protected] bcit.ca/alumni


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