STORYTELLING

VCC Community REport 2019

A collection of six unique student and alumni stories plus three information-based articles produced for government and community stakeholder audiences.

VCC COmmunity Report 2018

A collection of eight student, employee and alumni stories that highlight VCC’s unique contributions to the province, the city, and the post-secondary community.

VCC STUDENT
SUCCESS STORIES

Short, shareable, and meaningful stories that profile VCC students and alumni, celebrate their achievements, and showcase college programs for recruitment purposes.

MORE STORIES

2022

• Signy Novak: Moving health care forward through Medical Assistance in Dying
  VCC nursing instructor works to fill emerging needs following MAiD legislation

• All about ME – New pilot project advances menstrual equity at VCC
  Free menstrual products now available at all VCC universal campus washrooms

• Updated VCC jewellery program the gold standard in Western Canada
  Revised curriculum and top technology give students an edge in jewellery design

• New VCC mascot to enhance the student experience through hygiene and hugs
  Introducing the newest member of VCC’s educational family: Rainy the Racoon

• Vanvisa’s story: The courage to cook
  One student’s story of defying expectations and pursuing her culinary passion

• Building each other up: Angel’s ascent into architecture
  Community support helps ensure a top talent can shine

• VCC students with disabilities make an impact at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank
  VCC instructors put purpose into workplace practicums following COVID-19

• Scott Wilson: Composing a career in electronic and experimental music
  Exploring and experimenting with music in ways that few have imagined

2021

• VCC researching diversity and disabilities in clinical work placements
  Advancing accessibility and breaking down systemic barriers in health care education

• Becoming a global citizen with collaborative international learning at VCC
  Addressing real-world humanitarian problems with with students from around the world

• Understanding and breaking down anti-Indigenous racism in health care
  Education a first step to better health and wellness for Indigenous peoples in B.C.

• VCC graphic designers contribute to Ronald McDonald House refresh
  Students work with prominent B.C. designer to touch the lives of thousands of children

• VCC Nursing pin project supports 2SLGBTQIA+ patients
  New project identifies health care workers who are sensitive to trans and non-binary bodies

• Charles Ya’Ya Heit: Revealing the power of Indigenous art
  Carrying on the Gitxsan legacy in carvings, jewellery, and colonial resistance

• VCC Japanese class finds fluency and friendship during COVID-19
  One language cohort shares a journey into never-before-taught levels

• Eddy’s story: A new wave in nursing
  Furthering reconciliation and Indigenous representation in the world of health care

• David Blake: The relentless call of jazz
  Living and breathing jazz from Vancouver to New York and beyond

• New VCC program pushes the limits of pet fashion (April Fool’s)
  Celebrating our more exotic companions with fun and fresh designs

• Jolene’s story: making the grade in auto collision and refinishing
  One VCC grad’s journey from apprentice to auto paint professional

• Katherine’s story: Cooking for a cause
  Honouring our greatest inspirations this International Women’s Day 

2020

• Jessica’s story: Opening doors to pastry success
  VCC grad and wheelchair user blazes trails in the bakery

• VCC student champions accessibility in national design competition
  Graphic Design student Kylie Woo recognized for ASL-inspired campaign

• Defending against infection: the critical work of an MDRT
  Shining a spotlight on VCC’s medical device reprocessing technicians

• VCC-trained chef finds “Phamily” success during COVID-19
  How Brandon Pham’s unique culinary dreams are seeing him though a global pandemic

• Keeping progress alive for women in culinary arts
  VCC chefs talk positive change in the culinary industry

• Bake with Bruno Feldeisen at VCC
  The Great Canadian Baking Show’s beloved judge offers part-time pastry courses

• Baking with the best: Clarissa Roque earns top recognition at WorldSkills
  VCC’s promising young pastry artist shares stories from Kazan, Russia

2019

• VCC students claim bronze in international Cantonese food championship
  Award-winning dim sum chefs represent VCC in Macau competition

• VCC students rank high at WorldSkills Kazan 2019
  Two outstanding apprentices recognized for excellence on the global stage

• Healing history: Enhancing Indigenous health care at VCC
  How culturally safe programs serve a growing Indigenous population

• Nespresso national competition finds pastry prodigies at VCC
  Six VCC baking students craft coffee-themed sweets for Nespresso Café Gourmand

• Immigrant women find “Sewmates” in new VCC business program
  Sewing collective builds up women’s confidence to do business in Canada

2018

• Lin’s story: a world of opportunity in hospitality management
  Join VCC alumna Lin Tang on her journey to the top of the global hotel industry

• Amir’s story: finding refuge
  Amir Taghinia shares his journey from refugee detention to the classrooms of VCC

• Alicia’s story: new to nursing
  Alicia Bruyere shares how she found the courage to return to school and renew her career

• Gladue program responds to a decades-old call for justice
  How a new VCC pilot program is promoting healing and progress for Indigenous offenders

• Heat’s story: blazing trails in food and business
  Indigenous chef Heat Laliberte shares his journey from foster care to culinary entrepreneur

• Carlos’ story: a smart calculation
  Launching a new Canadian pharmacology career through VCC University Transfer
  
  

2017

• Women’s work: meet the new generation in automotive trades
  VCC’s automotive refinishing technicians talk trades, trends, and workplace culture

• Hamasa’s story: the courage to be Canadian
  From a secret life in Pakistan to a new home in Canada, Hamasa’s journey for justice

• Clinton’s story: from trauma to triumph
  Finding healing through education, encouragement, and VCC’s Aboriginal community

• Helen’s story: the voices of angels
  100-year-old Helen Fung continues to hit the high notes in VCC’s Willan Choir

• Instructor feature: VCC Music’s Alan Matheson
  Musician, composer, performer, and teacher Alan Matheson talks talent and inspiration

2016

• Jacqueline’s story: climbing the luxury ladder
  From FIFA, Holt Renfrew, and Nordstrom, back to the basics

• The business of beauty: makeup artist Gwen Perkins
  VCC makeup artistry alumna Gwen Perkins on her double life and creative career

• Alex’s story: family and fusion in the restaurant business
  Third-generation Chinese restaurateur Alex Holliday talks industry skills and cultural connections

• Michelle's story: from the military to math class
  An accomplished Canadian Forces veteran shares her career transition through VCC

2015

• Chieko’s story: pathway to a caring career
  A new Canadian’s experience in love, language, and finding her professional purpose

• Maria’s story: the language of learning
  A lifelong pursuit of English fluency and a dream career

• Kathy’s story: conquering fears through music
  She finally followed her musical dreams, and learned more than she ever expected

• Bianca’s story: from desk job to automotive calling
  How one automotive collision repair apprentice changed lanes and never looked back

• Introducing Austin Granados – baking’s golden boy
  Our VCC baking champion shares his view from the top of the Skills Canada podium

• Karin Jones' ROM exhibition "undresses" racial identity
  Jewellery Art & Design alumna Karin Jones gives new meaning to a classic design