September 21, 2006 Source: :
http://www.bcit.ca/news/releases/newsrelease092106242.shtml BCIT honours outstanding alumni BURNABY, BC: On September 21, a children's footwear designer, a news anchor, a civil engineer, a CGA and a nurse will be recognized for their outstanding achievements at BCIT’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, which honour BCIT alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers and community endeavours. Sandra Wilson is founder of Robeez Footwear. In 1994, Wilson created Robeez Footwear as a home-based business. The company is now the leading worldwide manufacturer and marketer of soft-soled leather shoes for newborns to four-year-olds. Since its inception, Robeez Footwear has donated almost 100,000 pairs of shoes and booties through non-profit children's and family charities around the globe. Today, Robeez is part of Stride-Rite Corporation's family of leading shoe brands. Wilson will be awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for Entrepreneurial Innovation and Service to the Community. Diana Swain is a news anchor for CBC. In her 16 years with the CBC, Swain has been a reporter for 24 Hours, has hosted Disclosure, is currently the host of CBC News at Six/Toronto, is a correspondent and fill-in anchor for The National, and is the host of Face to Face. She is an accomplished journalist who has been well-recognized for her work. She is a five-time Gemini nominee and was awarded the Gemini for Best News Anchor in 2000. Swain will be awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for Significant Contributions to a Trade or Industry. Thomas Abbuhl has been a faculty member in BCIT's Civil Engineering department for 30 years. While at BCIT, he has developed curriculum, been instrumental in redesigning the Civil and Structural Engineering Technology program, participated in the development of BCIT's first Bachelor of Technology and was a key contributor in the initiation and preliminary development of BCIT's first Bachelor of Engineering. In addition to teaching at BCIT, Abbuhl works as a consultant in his field. Thomas will be awarded the BCIT Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award. John Nagy is partner with Reid Hurst Nagy CGAs. His career began in banking before returning to school to earn his CGA designation. In 1980, he took a position with Brock H. Oakley CGA where he eventually became partner, and in 1999, he merged his firm with Reid Hurst & Company. This resulted in one of the largest CGA firms in the Lower Mainland, Reid Hurst Nagy. Nagy has held several positions within the professional association including Chair of CGA BC and Chair of CGA Canada. Nagy will be awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Leadership. Katherine Gerry is a registered nurse at St. Paul's Hospital. As a full-time nursing student at BCIT, Gerry was the student representative to the College of Registered Nurses of BC and was a class representative at BCIT. She led several successful campaigns to improve elements of the program, all while maintaining a first-class GPA in a demanding program. Upon graduation from BCIT, Gerry won the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Silver Medallion. Outside of the classroom, she gives back to her community and volunteers at Women's Information Safety House. Gerry will be awarded the BCIT Alumni Association Outstanding Student Leadership Award. The fourth annual BCIT Distinguished Alumni Awards will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. This event is presented with the support of our Diamond sponsor, Clearsight Wealth Management, and Platinum sponsors: BMO Bank of Montreal, Business in Vancouver, Canadian Direct Insurance, Davis & Company, the Four Seasons Hotel, and Lamar Transit Advertising. -30- For further information, media can call:
Allison Markin, Media Relations Manager
Tel. 604-432-8773
Cell 604-836-6700
allison_markin@bcit.ca For more information about the BCIT Alumni Association, visit: bcit.ca/alumni/
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