Alum Rachel Schatz realized dream job through trades

As a 13-year-old, Rachel Schatz was a typical carefree teen. She enjoyed school, loved to hang out with her friends, and she dreamed of becoming a teacher one day. But one summer day in August, her father was involved in a life-changing accident that made thinking about anything beyond her family’s immediate needs a luxury. Learn how Rachel rediscovered her childhood dream through trades. Read more.

Fleeing Syria: BCIT alum Layla Khdir overcomes all odds 

Aspiring journalist and future alumna Layla Khdir was performing nightly news shows to her mirror in her home in Aleppo, Syria when she was only six years old. However, in 2011, when the Syrian war began, Layla says that her dream of becoming a journalist faded. Through remarkable perserverance, Layla overcame all odds to come to Canada in 2019, graduate with distinction in 2022, and achevie her dreams in a new role with Global News Radio. Read more.

Fall for these alumni Love Stories 

Finding love at BCIT is a story shared by many alumni couples. For Carmen Cottini and William Nicholos, who met as students after getting hired as BCIT Student Housing Resident Advisors, the odds of love were stacked in their favour.

In 1967, alumni Peggy and Jim Waldbauer met at a BCIT curling bonspiel. Now, 56 years, two children, and five grandchildren later, the Waldbauer family includes 13 alumni who are proud BCIT ambassadors.

A computing grad's lifechanging journey 

After completing a mathematics degree in Toronto, Adel Kuanysheva started working in a bike shop, unsure of her next move. Now, after completeing BCIT’s Computing Information Technology diploma program, this award-winning alumna works as a Business Analyst and Data Scientist. She shares her valuable advice to those looking to advance their career through continued learning. Read more.

BCIT appoints Cynthia Petrie as Vice President External

Cynthia Petrie was recently appointed as the Vice President of External. In this role, Cynthia will champion BCIT's vision and mission, providing executive leadership to a broad portfolio of departments including Advancement, Marketing and Communications, Stakeholder Relations, and Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships – whose unified goal it is to enhance BCIT's profile locally, nationally, and globally. Read more.

Spring into student success: Generosity blooms at BCIT

As the cost of living rises, BCIT students are feeling the strain. In the past two years, student requests for financial support have increased by nearly 40 percent. This past holiday season, BCIT’s community of generous supporters came together once again to support the Student Success Fund. Contributions to the Student Success Fund provide emergency bursaries, grants, and other funding to the students who need it most. Read more.

Being a BCIT alum has its perks!   

Get access to amazing benefits exclusive to BCIT alumni. Download the free BCIT Alumni Perks app from Google Play or the App Store.

Take advantage of exciting offers from Bell Mobility, Sparkling Hill Resort, Fresh Prep, Vancouver Whitecaps and many more.

Welome NEW Alumni Perks offers!

Take advantage of new offers from BCIT Alumni Perks partners. BC Lasik: Alumni, students, staff, and faculty get a special group rate for various laser vision correction procedures. BAK'D: Enjoy 10% off online orders of gourmet cookie and cookie boxes that can be delivered right to your door. Pillway: Save up to 30% on pharmacy fees with Pillway, a full-service pharmacy that offers convenient access to medications. Vancouver Football Club: Score up to 24% off tickets to VFC games, including the home opener on April 14th. Learn more.

Special group rates on insurance through Manulife

Thinking about buying life insurance? As an alumnus, you have access to plans at group rates from our partner, Manulife. Choose from health and dental, life, travel, and critical insurance packages. Manulife makes it simple with plans that are easy to understand, apply for, and manage. Browse your insurance solutions to learn how easy it is to help protect yourself and loved ones. Learn more.

Alumni giving back

The Alumni Association is proud to support current and future BCIT alumni through awards, scholarships, and bursaries. In partnership with BCIT Foundation, we have awarded 1,090 student scholarships and bursaries totalling more than $1.48 million since 1985.

Whether giving of their time, talent, or treasure, our alumni shared without hesitation to help current students on their educational journeys. 

Learn about the INSPIRE Campaign and how you can help BCIT students achieve their dreams.