Almost 300 alumni and guests gathered at BCIT’s Downtown Campus, on June 4 for the 2026 BCIT Alumni Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Feature Presentation to celebrate the strength of the BCIT alumni community while exploring what it means to lead with purpose throughout a career.
The evening began with a moving welcome and land acknowledgement from Squamish Nation Elder Dennis Joseph, whose ancestral name is Xwechtaal. His remarks reflected on the importance of community and connection, setting a thoughtful tone for the evening.
Following the welcome, BCIT President Dr. Jeff Zabudsky announced the recipients of BCIT’s 2026 Vision Awards, who will be honoured at the Vision Awards gala on October 29, 2026.
This year’s recipients represent excellence across industry, community leadership, and student achievement. Pioneering broadcaster and community leader Shushma Datt will be recognized with an Honorary Doctorate. Jordon Gabrielle will be presented the Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his leadership in forestry, Indigenous stewardship, and community-centred land management. Mike Battistel, will receive the Faculty and Staff Association Distinguished Alumni Award for his over two decades of exceptional teaching excellence while Simone Chiang and Andrey Lykov will be recognized with the Outstanding Student Leadership Award.
During the Alumni Association President’s Report, BCIT Alumni Association President Sean Poole provided updates on the Association’s activities and future initiatives. Among the highlights was the announcement of the Alumni Exchange. Scheduled to open in early 2027, the Alumni Exchange will serve as a welcoming home for alumni engagement and a hub for events, mentorship opportunities, networking, and lifelong connection to the BCIT community.
Members also participated in the Association’s governance by voting on proposed bylaw updates. The approved amendments included targeted revisions to clarify membership definitions, board composition, and committee leadership appointments while preserving the Association’s purpose, member rights, and longstanding governance practices.
Following the AGM portion, attendees were treated to an engaging feature presentation, Leadership Excellence: Leading with Purpose at Every Stage of Your Career. Moderated by Kenton Low, Dean of the BCIT School of Business + Media, the panel brought together accomplished BCIT alumni and industry leaders who shared candid insights on leadership, career development, resilience, and navigating change.
Panelists featured:
- Mike Battistel, President, Cascadia Windows & Doors (Architectural Building Engineering Technology, 1999)
- Carolynn Ryan, Senior Vice-President, People & Chief Human Resources Officer, BC Hydro (Human Resource Management, 1998)
- Jessica Nguyen, Co-founder, BAK’D Cookies
Throughout the conversation, panelists reflected on how leadership is developed over time through experience, overcoming challenges, and the openness to learn.
The conversation explored topics such as leading through uncertainty and change. Drawing on experiences ranging from growing entrepreneurial ventures during the COVID-19 pandemic to leading large teams through organizational transformation, panelists shared examples of navigating pressure while maintaining focus and supporting others.
The discussion also covered artificial intelligence (AI) and the accelerating pace of change across industries. While panelists acknowledged the growing impact of AI on the workplace, they emphasized that distinctly human skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, and relationship-building will continue to become more valuable.
Audience members were engaged during the rapid-fire questions that concluded the session. The panelists shared the best career advice they ignored, the one skill they believe everyone should develop today, and what qualities make someone promotable. Their answers highlighted how individuals who demonstrate initiative, accountability, adaptability, and a possess a commitment to continuous learning consistently position themselves for long-term success.
The evening concluded with a dessert reception and door prize draws, giving attendees additional opportunities to connect with fellow alumni, speakers, and members of the BCIT community.
The BCIT Alumni Association extends its sincere appreciation to the event sponsors whose support helped make the evening possible:
- TD Insurance
- Manulife
- BCIT School of Business + Media
Special thanks are also extended to the generous prize sponsors:
- BAK’D Cookies
- BC Lions
- Broadway Across Canada
- Fresh Prep
- Hullo Ferries
- Mark’s Commercial
- Manulife
- Park’N Fly
- TD Bank
- TD Insurance
- The Comedy Department
- Vancouver Rise FC