Congratulations to over 2,250 BCIT students who are crossing the convocation stage this week. We celebrate their achievements and welcome them in now joining the community of 210,000 BCIT alumni who are making a difference across 110 countries.
Each ceremony begun with the land acknowledgement that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. William George Thomas from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation then led the procession into the auditorium and brought a welcome from the Coast Salish Peoples. Indigenous Women’s Ensemble M’Girl followed with a traditional welcome and celebration song.
Throughout each ceremony, graduates received words of wisdom from keynote speakers, representatives from the BCIT Alumni Association, and their class valedictorian.
Want to show your BCIT pride? Shop Alumni-branded merch including socks, water bottles, umbrellas, and more!
Tuesday, June 24, 10:00am
The first ceremony celebrated over 350 grads from the BCIT School of Business + Media in Business Administration, Business Management, and Business Operations Management.
The keynote for this ceremony was Richard Rudderham, Chair, BCIT Foundation, and retired Chief Human Resources Officer, BMO Financial Group. Over his 30-year career at BMO, he held various senior leadership roles, including Regional President for Personal and Commercial Banking in the BC and Yukon Division.
He is also the former Director of Kids Help Phone, where he supported initiatives for children and youth in crisis. Now recently retired, Richard plays a key role as Chair of the BCIT Foundation, helping raise funds for student scholarships and bursaries, campus infrastructure, and equipment to support learning and teaching at BCIT.
Richard shared four lessons to the graduating class:
- Be a contributor: “Every organization is dynamic – shaped by change, growth, and challenge. Those who advance and thrive are individuals who help move things forward. They offer ideas. They engage constructively. They build trust.”
- Fit matters: “A career is a long journey. It should bring you challenge but also fulfilment. If it doesn’t, have the courage to pivot. Explore and adjust. It’s not failure – it’s growth.”
- Embrace the unexpected: “The most successful careers in a large organization are rarely linear. Say ‘yes’ to new experiences, even if they feel unfamiliar or outside your comfort zone.”
- Keep perspective: “Your career is one part of a full and meaningful life. Family, health, friendships, community, and personal interests – all of these matter. There will be times when work takes precedence, and that’s okay. But – be self aware; be honest with yourself; pause and reflect; listen to your family, friends, and colleagues that you respect and trust; and continually rebalance.”
Towards the end of the ceremony, BCIT Alumni Association Director Dr. Candy Ho introduced valedictorian Pedro Cheng. Pedro is an international student who is graduating from the BCIT Business Information Technology Management diploma program. He reminded graduates on the importance of persistence, diligence, and flexibility in an ever evolving world.
“If you ever feel lost or unsure, just look up. Watch the birds. We are the high-flying phoenixes of BCIT, who can always rely on our capable wings to reach new heights,” shared Pedro.
Tuesday, June 24, 2:30pm ceremony
Over 300 students from the School of Business + Media’s Accounting, Finance, and Insurance, as well as Marketing Management programs were celebrated in second ceremony.
Sally Parrott, Executive Vice President, Bosa Properties Inc., delivered an inspiring keynote speech for graduates. With expertise in brand and digital development, market expansion, and executive leadership, Sally helps drive growth and innovation at Bosa Properties. Prior to her role at Bosa Properties, she spent over a decade on Aritizia’s Executive Team, where she led Marketing and Creative during the brand’s rapid expansion in Canada and the United States. Sally also serves as a Director on the BCIT Foundation Board.
In her address to this year’s graduates, Sally focused on the transformative power of saying yes—especially when it feels uncomfortable. Reflecting on her diverse career in brand, strategy, and growth across multiple industries, she shared pivotal moments where taking leaps into the unknown shaped her personal and professional evolution. From venturing into literal ice caves to navigating high-stakes boardrooms, her central message was that true growth often emerges from discomfort and uncertainty.
Parrott reminded graduates that the willingness to be brave, to stay curious, and to keep learning may be the most valuable tools they already possess. As she put it, “It’s the yeses made in fear and uncertainty – when all you have is courage and a willingness to learn – that so often change everything.”
Valedictorian Julia Tao, who is graduating from the Marketing Management diploma program, shared her journey at BCIT and reminded her peers that it’s okay to have doubts and overthink but “you never really know until you try”. Her message to fellow graduates: caring deeply may bring “what ifs,” but it also opens the door to meaningful growth and unexpected success.
Wednesday, June 25, 10:00am ceremony
Ceremony three celebrated more than 330 students from the School of Business + Media’s Broadcast and Media Communications, Digital Arts, Media, and Design, as well as Human Resources Management.
The ceremony opened with William George-Thomas and his nephew Christopher George-Thomas from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation leading the procession into the auditorium, followed by a welcome from the Coast Salish Peoples.
Following celebratory messages from BCIT leaders, Asifa Samji was welcomed to the stage as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.
Asifa Samji is the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Stantec. With a background in business and science, she blends strategic insight with technical expertise to build high-performance, inclusive teams.
In 2015, Asifa was named by the Women Executive Network as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. Asifa supports future leaders through the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the Women’s Executive Network. She also serves on numerous advisory boards including the BCIT Alumni Association, the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies for BC, the Business Council for BC, and the International Federation of Consulting Engineers Business Practice Committee.
As a proud alum and passionate mentor, Asifa shared the impact of her education at BCIT. She also offered her words of wisdom to graduates:
- “Lead with integrity and compassion. Be a force for good in your communities and industries.”
- “Commit to continuous learning and personal growth. Stay curious, seek out new experience, and never stop expanding your horizons.”
- “The path ahead will not always be smooth. There will be obstacles and setbacks, but it is your resilience that will define your success. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and never lose sight of your goals. The only failure is to not try.”
- “Your superpowers are your emotional intelligence – how you communicate and connect, and how well you can adapt. These skills will differentiate you and unlock doors.”
- “Build strong connections and relationships and stay connected. Value diverse perspectives and master the art of collaboration.”
Lastly, she encouraged graduates to give back and support one another in the journey ahead.
Graduates also heard from their class valedictorian Sophie Hansen. As a Broadcast and Online Journalism grad, Sophie emphasized the importance of seeking truth, amplifying unheard voices, and to question what lies beneath the surface. This mindset is one that applies everywhere – across the newsroom, the boardrooms, classrooms, communities, and conversations.
“Especially in a world that’s struggling to hold space for difference, for justice, and for honest dialogue,” says Sophie.
“I ask that whatever path you choose next, take it with resilience. Walk it with courage. And above all – lead it with kindness. Because in a world that too often divides, the greatest act of defiance might just be to care.”
Wednesday, June 25, 2:30pm ceremony
Over 250 students from the School of Computing and Academic Studies were celebrated as they crossed the stage to become a part of the BCIT Alumni community.
As part of the celebration, graduates heard from keynote speaker Hardeep Mehrotara, who is a proud BCIT alum of the Bachelor of Technology in Computer Crime and Forensics, as well as Chair of the BCIT Forensics Program Advisory Committee. Harpreet is the Vice President of Information Systems Technology at Concert Properties, with over 20 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity. He was named a 2023 Top Cybersecurity Leader by Security Magazine and featured as a cyber expert on CTV and Global TV. He also serves in the Canadian Forces, overseeing cyber force development, missions, and training. In addition, Hardeep has co-authored technical security benchmarks and controls with experts from around the world – for the Centre for Internet Security and the World Economic Forum.
Valedictorian Justin Saint was also among speakers who addressed the graduating class. Justin emphasized the value of a BCIT education, particularly as it relates to BCIT grads being so sought after by employers. He attributed this to the Institute’s practical learning model, as well as the collaborative spirit of BCIT graduates. In closing, Justin reminded graduates to “show up and put in the work – because we learned from instructors who showed up and did the work. And because BCIT is where we learned how to – when faced with the impossible – to just stop, and breathe, and take that next step forward”.
Thursday, June 26, 10:00am ceremony
(Ceremony video to come).
Over 400 students from the School of Energy and the School of Transportation were celebrated on the third day of BCIT Convocation, officially becoming the largest ceremony this year.
Graduates heard from keynote speaker Sean Baxter, Director, Marine Operations and Harbour Master at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Sean graduated from the Nautical Sciences program in 2009, and began his maritime career through a Transport Canada-accredited cadet co-op program at BCIT. After gaining experience through an international seafaring career aboard bulk carriers, tankers, passenger vessels, and with the Canadian Coast Guard, Sean joined the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, steadily advancing through senior roles within Marine Operations.
In his keynote speech, Sean encouraged the graduates to reflect on five essential questions as they begin their careers and beyond:
- “Wait, what?” – A prompt for seeking clarification and context, vital for true understanding.
- “I wonder why/if…” – Questions that spark curiosity, exploration, and deeper inquiry.
- “Couldn’t we at least…?” – A consensus-building question, useful for overcoming impasses, managing risks, and moving forward with critical decisions.
- “How can I help?” – A humble offer of support that draws on others’ expertise and fosters meaningful collaboration with communities.
- “What truly matters?” – A grounding question that helps focus on core values and the heart of the issue.
After crossing the stage, Valedictorian Moksh Garg, Industrial Networking Cybersecurity, delivered his speech. As an international student, Moksh described his experience navigating a new country. Despite the challenges, Moksh emphasized that he finds great fulfillment collaborating with people. To him, BCIT has allowed him to live fully and honestly, saying, “During my time here, it never felt like I was only here to study—every day came with new hope, new energy, and new opportunities to learn and connect.”
At the end of his speech, Moksh reminded his fellow peers about the importance of community. He says, “…success is not just about where you go—but what you give back along the way.”
Thursday, June 26, 2:30pm ceremony
(Ceremony video and photos to come).
The afternoon ceremony on June 26 saw close to 300 graduates cross the stage from the School of Health Sciences. Following celebratory messages from BCIT leaders, Chris Revitt was welcomed to the stage as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.
Chris is the Manager of Facilities Maintenance at the City of Burnaby. He is a dedicated member of the Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue team and was recently deployed to Thailand as part of an international rescue effort. Chris is also a proud alumnus of the BCIT Occupational Health and Safety program.
In his keynote speech, Chris shares a heartfelt story about his daughter’s hospital experience. Amid the challenges, he reflects on the meaningful lessons he gained from that journey:
- Everyone can be a superhero. “We often underestimate the impact we can have. We think; I don’t have much to give. I’m just one person. Let me tell you: small, intentional acts can change someone’s life. I know, because they changed mine.”
- Show up and listen to your inner voice. “Relationships are built in small moments. It’s being there during the hard times, showing up, no expectations, no spotlight. Just being there because your inner voice tells you that you need to be.”
- Every day, you get to choose how you show up. “You won’t always be able to control what happens around you. But you’ll always get to decide how you react, how you show up, how you treat others, and how you treat yourselves.”
Valedictorian Céline Loriot, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, delivered her speech after the graduates crossed the stage. Addressing her peers, Céline says, “It’s with great pride that I stand before a class, that I know is about to brave the world, a world full of uncertainties. However, one thing is certain, and that is, your unwavering dedication to fulfilling your dreams.”
After thanking family, friends, and quoting Grey’s Anatomy, Céline ends on a high note, saying, “To the class of 2025, although the world may change, may our dedication to service not.”
Friday, June 27, 10:00am ceremony
To be updated.