The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has officially surpassed its ambitious $125 million fundraising goal through the INSPIRE Campaign—the largest and most transformative fundraising initiative in the Institute’s history. Launched in 2018, by the BCIT Foundation and BCIT, the multi-year campaign united donors, alumni, and industry partners around a shared vision to reimagine BCIT’s learning environments, expand access to education, and prepare students to lead in a rapidly evolving world.
Through the generosity of more than 3,900 individuals, organizations, and community leaders, the INSPIRE Campaign, led by Campaign Chair, David Podmore, with the support of the Campaign Cabinet and Patrons—connected industry with the BCIT Foundation to champion student success and excellence across the Institute. Guided by these dedicated leaders, the campaign has driven transformation across BCIT’s three strategic pillars: Access and Inclusion, Teaching and Learning Innovation, and Campus Redevelopment.
Expanding Access and Inclusion
At the heart of the INSPIRE Campaign is a commitment to ensuring that every learner, regardless of background or circumstance, can access the life-changing power of education. Philanthropic investments have provided hundreds of new scholarships, bursaries, and wraparound supports for students across programs and five campus locations.
Donors such as Russ Cmolik, Darlene Poole, Diane Kennedy, and Richard Rudderham, through their Foundations have made long-term commitments to helping students overcome financial barriers and supported initiatives that empower women pursuing engineering careers. Ryan Beedie, whose philanthropy has transformed BCIT’s Burnaby campus, continues to champion access and student success. The Bank of Montreal’s contributions have also enhanced mental health resources for Indigenous students, ensuring all learners have the tools they need to thrive.
These contributions, along with many others, are helping BCIT foster a more inclusive learning community that reflects the diversity and strength of British Columbia.
Advancing Teaching and Learning Innovation
The campaign has also propelled BCIT’s leadership in uniting applied research with hands-on education to empower students to develop the innovations and technologies that will drive BC’s future economy. By turning ideas into real-world solutions, BCIT is ensuring that graduates leave not only job-ready, but innovation-ready.
A prime example of this vision in action is the Teck Copper Innovation Hub, made possible by Teck Resources Limited. This new facility brings students and researchers together to explore copper’s potential in advancing healthcare and sustainable industries. Equipped with advanced additive manufacturing technology, the Hub enables hands-on experimentation, rapid prototyping, and the development of innovative solutions that improve both health and environmental outcomes.
These investments in cutting-edge research and experiential learning define how applied education is delivered and ensure BCIT graduates remain at the forefront of technological progress and ready to lead in industries that will shape our shared future.
Transforming the Burnaby Campus
The most visible impact of the INSPIRE Campaign is the transformation taking place across BCIT’s Burnaby Campus. Landmark projects such as the Health Sciences Centre, now provide state-of-the-art facilities that enable BCIT to meet international standards for nursing accreditation. The creation of Beedie Plaza, featuring an Indigenous-designed walkway, has become a central gathering space for students and the community. Meanwhile, Tall Timber Student Housing has added 469 new beds, expanding access to affordable, sustainable on-campus living.
Several other major projects are underway including the Robert Bosa Carpentry Pavilion, the Concert Properties Centre for Trades and Technology, Welding Pavilion, and the Mott Electric Pavilion. These new facilities will reduce program waitlists, expand capacity for skilled trades training, and create advanced labs for future workforce development.
With more than $125 million raised, the INSPIRE Campaign has set the stage for BCIT’s next chapter where student success, innovation, and real-world impact remain at the heart of its mission. Fueled by the generosity of its community, BCIT continues to empower learners and strengthen the industries and economies that depend on them.
Quotes
Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President, British Columbia Institute of Technology
“The generosity and support of donors has made the INSPIRE Campaign a success. As the only BC post-secondary with a provincial mandate for strategic workforce development, BCIT connects education, industry, and government in support of building an agile workforce with sustained and meaningful impact to meet the labour market needs of today and tomorrow.”
Cynthia Petrie, Vice President, External, British Columbia Institute of Technology
“Our donors have helped accelerate BCIT’s vision of shaping a more innovative, inclusive, and resilient future for British Columbia. Your commitment and investment strengthens our ability to deliver real-world education that empowers learners to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.”
Joanna Tong, Executive Director of the BCIT Foundation
“It truly takes a community to make great things happen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who came together to transform student lives and advance teaching and learning at BCIT. Together, we are empowering changemakers, innovators, and creators to turn their dreams into reality.”