And just like that, it's over.
2024 brought a blend of the new and the anticipated—each equally rewarding.
From the launch of the BUILD Program and the success of Night for Bright Minds 2024 (presented by Royal Bank of Canada) to unifying applications across all programs and celebrating the accomplishments of 40+ graduates joining our growing alumni network, 2024 has been a remarkable year of growth, innovation, and community.
In February, our Student Success Team hosted meetups at Simon Fraser University and The University of British Columbia, kicking off the year with meaningful connections and opportunities to set good intentions for the new semester. By April, students began wrapping up their finale exams, and we started celebrating over 40 graduates joining our growing network of alumni. In May, we proudly announced the BUILD Program, paving the way for aspiring students to pursue careers in the skilled trades to address B.C.’s critical skills gap.
June marked several highlights: Night for Bright Minds 2024 featured keynote speaker Warren Macdonald, as we welcomed 167 students into our SHINE, SPARK, RISE, and Graduate Studies programs. Our students also enjoyed the Relational & Emotional Agility Leadership (REAL) Retreat at Camp Zajac, complete with transformative sessions, sunshine, and camp fun.
In July, SHINE students were featured in The Vancouver Sun and The Globe & Mail, while August brought REAL Day and the annual Holland Park Picnic in Surrey. September saw a student-organized picnic on Vancouver Island, complete with bracelet-making, delicious snacks, and fall sunshine. Before we knew it, we were once again eagerly preparing for the rush of fall semester. Many of our 2024 Cohort students began their post-secondary journeys, and students from other cohorts welcomed them with open arms and plenty of advice on studying, student-life, and more.
By October, we connected with students over lunch at The University of Fraser Valley, and in November, we unified applications across all programs, bringing awareness about the Beedie Luminaries Scholarship Foundation to more people across British Columbia than ever before. Now, in December, we are gearing up to begin the selection process for Cohorts 2025 and look forward to the incredible accomplishments that lie ahead in 2025.
Each milestone reflects the unwavering dedication and support of the Beedie Luminaries community and the remarkable achievements of our students. Our heartfelt thanks go to our Founder and President of Beedie, Ryan Beedie, as well as our incredible donors, partners, mentors, and everyone who graciously uplifts and empowers us on this journey.
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