What happens when student ambition meets hands-on education and a community ready to help? At the BCIT Foundation’s annual Celebration of Impact on September 23, students, donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and industry partners came together to see the answer in action.
Hosted by BCIT Foundation Executive Director Joanna Tong, the evening celebrated student achievement and the generosity, mentorship, and partnerships that help learners turn potential into possibility.
“Student success is never achieved alone,” stated Joanna in her opening remarks. “Behind every achievement is a community. People who provide encouragement, mentorship, and open doors.”
Skills, ideas, and people for what comes next
In conversation, BCIT President Dr. Jeff Zabudsky and Joanna connected the evening’s personal stories to a larger question: how can applied education help British Columbia respond to changing industries, major projects, new technologies, and growing demand for skilled people?
Jeff highlighted BCIT’s distinctive provincial mandate, breadth of programs, and reputation for graduates who are ready to contribute from day one. Polytechnic education, he noted, is essential to building workforce capacity, advancing innovation, and helping communities and industries adapt with confidence.
“Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make,” said Jeff. “Every student who gains a credential, enters a meaningful career, or advances in their profession becomes part of a stronger, more resilient British Columbia.”
That impact is already visible. BCIT graduates are stepping into vital roles in health care, technology, engineering, skilled trades, transportation, and business, bringing practical skills to the sectors that keep the province moving and open new possibilities across Canada.
Donors, industry partners, and community supporters are part of that momentum. Their support expands access to applied education, strengthens learning experiences, and helps more students prepare for careers where their skills are urgently needed.
Three paths, one powerful idea
A current student and two graduates offered a glimpse of the many paths that lead to BCIT.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Category M student Jenna Olsen shared how hands-on learning transformed her curiosity into confidence.
“When I started, I knew what a wrench was and that was about it,” she explained. “Now I feel I can do everything if I work hard enough at it.”
Computer Systems Technology graduate Corey Buchan reflected on his unconventional journey from BCIT’s Welding Foundations program to programming, and the recognition that reshaped his sense of what was possible.
“I was close to not passing high school,” he said. Receiving the Etienne de Kerckhove Memorial Award became a defining moment in his educational journey.
“Receiving the award gave me a real sense of self-worth. It reaffirmed that my work meant something and gave me the confidence to know that I’m able to do it.”
Geomatics Engineering Technology graduate Michael Wilson spoke about the courage it took to leave an established career, return to school, and pursue work that inspires him.
“It was a big risk to change careers in the first place and then to come back to school,” said Michael. “But I’ve found something that I’m passionate about now.”
Together, Jenna, Corey, and Michael showed that there is no single route to a meaningful career. What connects their stories is the confidence to take a next step and a community that helps make that step possible.
From individual opportunity to shared progress
In closing, BCIT Vice President, External, Cynthia Petrie drew together the courage, possibility, and partnership at the heart of the evening.
“What struck me most was the courage it takes to pursue a goal, overcome challenges, and keep moving forward even when the path isn’t always clear,” she said.
Workforce needs and economic opportunity may frame the larger conversation, but Cynthia brought the focus back to where change begins: one person gaining the skills, confidence, and opportunity to move forward.
That support can take many forms, including scholarships and awards, mentorship, work-integrated learning, volunteer service, and industry partnerships. Each one helps connect education with opportunity.
“Sometimes support provides financial relief. Sometimes it creates an opportunity. And sometimes it provides something equally important: confidence,” said Cynthia. “The belief that someone sees your potential and believes in what you can achieve.”
The stories of Jenna, Corey, and Michael made the ripple effect visible. When students gain relevant skills and the confidence to use them, employers find talent, industries gain capacity, communities become more resilient, and new ideas move from classroom to real-world application.
Celebration of Impact offered a compelling glimpse of what the BCIT community makes possible together.