BCIT Vision Awards

Shushma Datt, O.B.C.
CEO, i.t. Media Broadcasting

Shushma Datt, an influential figure in Canadian broadcasting, has made significant contributions to both the South Asian community and the broader society of British Columbia. Over her career spanning five decades, she has been a pioneer in the industry, overcoming challenges as a female broadcaster in the male-dominated field of the Sixties. Shushma’s achievements include owning and operating IT Media Broadcasting, which encompasses two radio stations and produces the TV show Women In Focus for Omni TV.

She has been actively involved in community causes, using various media platforms to address social issues, promote Indian arts and culture, and support fundraising efforts. Shushma’s dedication to philanthropy is evident through her involvement in numerous charity initiatives, such as hosting radio-thons and raising over $1.5 million for organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society and BC Children’s Hospital.

Her exemplary service has been recognized through numerous awards, including the prestigious Order of British Columbia, the Jack Webster Foundation’s Bruce Hutchinson Lifetime Achievement Award, the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Awards, recently BCAB’s Broadcaster of The Year and King Charles Coronation Medal. Shushma’s commitment to community extends beyond broadcasting, with roles on advisory boards such as BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) and as a board member of BCAB (British Columbia Association of Broadcasters). She is also involved in initiatives against racism and for multiculturalism.

Throughout her career, Shushma has been featured in various publications and media outlets, highlighting her impact on Canadian broadcasting and her advocacy for social causes, especially Women’s rights.

Jordon Gabriel
Community Relations & Forestry Manager, Líl̓wat Forestry Ventures

A member of the Líl̓wat Nation, Residential School Survivor, father, and grandfather, Jordon has dedicated more than 30 years to forestry and wildfire management, including 20 years with the BC Wildfire Service. After completing BCIT’s Forestry Technician program, delivered within his own community, he returned to work in Líl̓wat Territory, where he now helps guide forestry initiatives that integrate Indigenous knowledge with technical forest management.

Much of Jordon’s work has centred on learning from Líl̓wat Elders about cultural burning, traditional land stewardship, and the importance of protecting culturally significant plants and wildlife habitat. Today he helps apply those teachings through projects involving cultural burning, fuels management, community forestry, and wildfire resilience.

Jordon is passionate about ensuring future generations can continue to harvest berries, mushrooms and traditional plants while enjoying healthy forests that support both people and wildlife. He believes the future of forestry depends on working together, respecting Indigenous knowledge, and managing forests as interconnected ecosystems rather than individual resources.

Mike Battistel
President, Cascadia Windows & Doors; Instructor, Architectural Building Engineering Technology, BCIT 

Mike Battistel is an industry leader in building science and building enclosure technology.

He began his career with eight years as a building envelope tradesman before graduating with distinction from BCIT’s Architectural and Building Engineering Technology program. Mike then joined RDH Building Science, quickly becoming a Principal and helping grow the firm into a global leader.

In 2008, Mike shifted his focus from engineering consulting to product innovation and manufacturing. He was instrumental in launching Cascadia Windows & Doors, a North American leader in energy-efficient fiberglass product innovation. Under his leadership, Cascadia has developed award-winning, patented technologies, including the first Passive House-certified window designed in North America.

Dedicated to education, Mike has taught part-time at BCIT for over 24 years, earning the BCIT Teaching Excellence Award in 2006. Throughout his teaching career, he has also championed the next generation of professionals by providing career opportunities and job placements to hundreds of BCIT students and graduates.

Simone Chiang

Simone Chiang is a recent graduate of the Master of Engineering in Smart Grid Systems and Technologies program at BCIT’s School of Energy and served as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2026. Originally from Taiwan, she arrived in Canada in 2023 and became an active leader in the BCIT community.

As Chair of the IEEE BCIT Student Branch and Co-Chair of Pride BCIT, Simone organized events that promoted inclusion, professional development, and cross-campus engagement. She is also a recipient of the BCITSA Distinguished International Student Award and has been recognized for her contributions to equity, student leadership, and community building.

Her research focused on hardware-in-the-loop digital twin platforms aimed at improving the resilience and cybersecurity of critical energy infrastructure. Passionate about creating positive impact through both technology and community, Simone is committed to contributing to the energy sector and continuing to support the next generation of students and leaders.

Andrey Lykov
Building Science Consultant, RDH Building Science

Andrey Lykov is a BCIT Building Science graduate, building enclosure consultant, and founder and past president of the BCIT Building Science Club. During his time at BCIT, he helped strengthen the Building Science student community by creating opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. Through club events, workshops, networking initiatives, and mentorship, Andrey helped bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

His academic and professional interests focus on building science, building enclosure performance, high-performance buildings, sustainability, and the long-term durability of the built environment. Since graduating, Andrey has continued to contribute to the building science and heritage communities in British Columbia through professional work, volunteering, and student mentorship. He is grateful for the BCIT community that shaped his journey and hopes to help future students feel connected, supported, and ready to contribute.

Outstanding Student Leadership Award

Sally Poon
Software Engineer, Okta
Computer Systems Technology, Diploma 2023
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Faculty and Staff Association Award

Donabel Santos
Instructor, Applied Database Administration and Design, Faculty
Bachelor of Technology, Computer Systems, Database Specialization, 2004
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Distinguished Alumni Award

Kristy James
President and Chief Executive Officer, Burnaby Hospital Foundation
Non-Profit Management Associate Certificate, 2006
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Honorary Doctorate of Technology

Mark Angelo, C.M., O.B.C
River conservationist, celebrated author, speaker, and teacher
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Outstanding Student Leadership Award

Samantha Bienias
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer and Echocardiographer, Guardian Radiology
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2020
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Outstanding Student Leadership Award

Barbara James
Advocate for Women in Trades & Instructor, BCIT School of Construction and the Environment
Trades Discovery for Women, 2006; Carpentry, 2023
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Faculty and Staff Association Award

Dr. Judy Shandler
Faculty, BCIT School of Energy; Retired Senior Business Analyst, BCIT Information Technology Services
Information Technology Professional, 2000
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Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Candy Ho, EdD, CDP
President, Career Connection Consulting and Career Development Educator and Scholar
Leadership, 2007
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Distinguished Alumni Award

Brian Fry
Tech Entrepreneur and Industry Evangelist & Strategic Shareholder, Iris Energy
Marketing Management, 1986
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Honorary Doctorate of Technology

Indira V. Samerasekera
Senior Advisor, Bennett Jones LLP and Past President, University of Alberta

Outstanding Student Leadership Award

Michelle Wan
Software Developer, Elastic Path
Computer Systems Technology, 2019
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Faculty and Staff Association Award

Jamie Finley
Research Assistant, Natural Health and Food Products Research Group, Applied Research, BCIT
Biotechnology, 2003
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Distinguished Alumni Award

Derek Manky
Chief, Security Insights and Global Threats Alliances, Fortinet
Computer Systems – Data Communication, 2003
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Distinguished Alumni Award

Katie Klumper
Principal, Deloitte Digital & HEAT
Marketing Management – Communications, 2004
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Honorary Doctorate of Technology

Clive Beddoe
Principal Founder and past Chairman and CEO, WestJet
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Honorary Doctorate of Technology

Carol Lee
Chair, Vancouver Chinatown Foundation / CEO & Co-founder, Linacare Cosmetherapy Inc.
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Distinguished Alumni Award

Frank Rizzardo
President and General Manager, Emcon Services
Civil and Structural Engineering, Diploma, 1973
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Distinguished Alumni Award

Suki Sekhon
President, CSR Group of Companies
Marketing Management – Real Estate, Diploma, 1984
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Outstanding Student Leadership Award

Nadia Dobrianskaia
Computer Scientist, Simba Technologies
Computer Systems Technology, Diploma, 2015
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Faculty & Staff Association Award

Amy Fell
Acting Director, BCIT SITE Centre
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Honourary Doctorate Recipients

David Emerson
Chair of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
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Honourary Doctorate Recipients

Diana Swain
Senior Investigative Journalist, CBC News
Host, CBC News Network
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Distinguished Alumni Award

Marty Edwards
Director of the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team, US Department of Homeland Security
Automation and Instrumentation, Diploma, 1990
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Distinguished Alumni Award

Randy Smallwood
President and Chief Executive Officer, Silver Wheaton
Mine Engineering, Diploma, 1990
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Outstanding Student Leadership Award Recipient

Lauren Lee
Security Operations Officer, Vancouver International Airport
Airport Operations, Diploma, 2015
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Faculty & Staff Association Award

Ralph Hargreaves
Retired, BCIT Assistant Instructor
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Honourary Doctorate Recipient

Dominic Barton
Global Managing Director, McKinsey and Company
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Honourary Doctorate Recipient

Julie Payette
Chief Operating Officer, Montreal Science Centre
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Distinguished Alumni Award

Markus Frind
CEO and Founder, Plenty Of Fish Media Inc
Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma, 1999
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Distinguished Alumni Award

John Knappett
Chief Executive Officer, Knappett Group
Geomatics (Survey) Engineering, 1974
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Outstanding Student Leadership Award Recipient

Deanna Hill
Media Strategist / Buyer, MacLaren McCann
Marketing Management Communications, 2014
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Faculty & Staff Association Award

Thomas Abbuhl
BCIT Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty / Work Experience Coordinator
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Honourary Doctorate Recipient

Bill Good
Host, CKNW
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Honourary Doctorate Recipient

Launi Skinner
CEO at First West Credit Union
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Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement

Mark Angelo
Chair, The Rivers Institute at BCIT
Past Program Head, BCIT Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation
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Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Leadership

Peter Hrdlitschka
DiplT ’78, Building Technology
President, Ledcor Construction Limited, Western Canada
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Distinguished Alumni Award for Entrepreneurial Innovation

David Yochlowitz
DiplT ’87, Administrative Management, ’90 (OLA), Bachelor of Business Administration
Chief Executive Officer, ABC Recycling
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Excellence in Teaching and Research Award

Dr. Sanja Boskovic
Chief Instructor, BCIT Power Engineering
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