with an 80-student cohort in its inaugural year and has exploded
in scale over the past seven years to include students across
B.C., with specialized programs for grade 12 students, single
parents, refugees and immigrants and other newcomers to
Canada, along with aspiring tradespeople. ("When we have
events, he doesn't even get a break to have a glass of water
because there is a line of students that want to shake his hand
and say personally how grateful they are," says Luminaries'
executive director, Martina Meckova.)
The program boasts a 95-percent student success rate, and
now, with six full-time staff, Luminaries has granted more than
1,000 scholarships, collectively adding up to the astounding tune
of $46 million.
Whether it is development or philanthropy, what has moti-
vated Ryan—and what continues to drive him forward in the
golden age of his career—is reach and reputation. He's extremely
cognizant, he notes, that one can't grow without the other.
He wants people to see a Beedie sign in their town and have
positive feelings about what that name
means: ideally, connecting it with good
people and a good brand that cares about
their community, their staff and the places
they call home. Beedie's reputation, and
how they are viewed, is paramount to the
company's success at every level. "That's
fundamental to every decision we make.
We're not perfect by any stretch, but that is
the lens through which we try to make our
decisions, always keeping the long term in
mind," he says.
That, and honouring the legacy of his
dad, who is never far from his mind.
"He left me a note once. He said, 'It's so
nice for my life's work to be able to hand
it off and know it's in good hands.' It's a
master class in succession."
B U I L D I N G A N E M P I R E
BUILDING DETAILS
The 10,000 sq. ft. addition at the
Burnaby Campus will add over
250 new apprenticeship seats
annually and feature specialized
labs dedicated to renewable energy,
robotics, and automated controls.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
A champion for trades education, BCIT alumnus Dan Mott's dedication
to empowering students is inspired by the opportunities afforded to him
throughout his career. With this gift, Mott Electric is creating opportunities
for students to achieve fulfi lling careers, paving the way for future
professionals, innovators and business leaders.
Help shape the future of skilled trades education. Visit bcit.ca/trades
—
INSPIRE.
THE CAMPAIGN FOR BCIT.
EDUCATION FOR A COMPLEX WORLD
