The annual Alumni Awards of Excellence were created to recognize alumni who embody our essence and the impact of CapU locally, regionally and worldwide.
As in past years, threads of our community's values – spirit, passion, innovation, collaboration, pride and impact — are woven through each award category.
Five awards will be given to individuals who exemplify one of our brand essences. There will be one award for each CapU brand essence: Luminous, Unified, Enduring, Confident and Creative.
Event details
| Date & Time | Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 7 - 9 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location | The Polygon Gallery - 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver, B.C. |
| Agenda | 7 p.m. - Welcome and cocktail reception 7:30 p.m. - Award presentation |
| Dress Code | Cocktail attire |
| Refreshments | Complimentary food and drinks will be provided. |
Event hosts
Andrew Kopecki
Andrew is a CapU alumni and Creative Award recipient of the 2022 Alumni Awards of Excellence. As an expert in connected vehicle technology, Andrew is helping fleet operators across North America to keep drivers safe and implement technology for a more sustainable approach to transportation.
Erin Jeffery
Erin, a seasoned performer, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UBC and has enjoyed a diverse career spanning film, television, and stage across the Lower Mainland for over thirty years.
She was recognized among the top ten finalists in the CBC Next Up Comedy Competition in 2019. Her performances have graced popular venues and many clubs around town. Her mother describes her as relentlessly cheerful, terrifyingly positive, and occasionally funny.
Award recipients
We are celebrating five extraordinary alumni award recipients who speak to each category of the Capilano University brand essence.
Jordan is the co-founder of The Social Concierge with a mission to help create unique events and community gatherings to enhance the culture and spirit of Vancouver.
He has brought many Iconic events to the city that bring communities and people from all walks of life together. The Social Concierge is also well known for hosting fundraisers and their events have raised millions of dollars for a wide array of local charities.
Previously, Jordan was the president and Executive Curator for TedX Vancouver for five years, he has also served on the Capilano University Alumni Association Board as Board Chair.
Barbara is an award-winning costume designer with over 100 costume designer credits including feature films, shorts, TV movies, music videos and TV series.
She has won three Leo Awards for Best Costume Design and several other Leo nominations, covering genres from contemporary, period, sci-fi and horror. She has also been nominated for two CAFTCAD Awards and two OVATION! Awards in the same category.
Barbara was also the recipient of the Capilano University Bursary Fund Award in 2008 and 2009, as well as British Columbia Arts Council Senior Award in 2008.
Brad Baker (Squamish Nation) currently holds the role of Associate Superintendent of Indigenous Education (B.C.) with the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
In his last ten years of working in the North Vancouver School District, Brad held the position of District Principal with portfolios in Indigenous Education and Safe Schools while also contributing as an adjunct professor at UBC within the Faculty of Education.
Brad is an Alumnus of the Governor General of Canada’s Leadership Conference and is currently an Appointed Trustee for the Squamish Nation, a Class B Member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, and a Board Member for ViaSport BC.
Brad will also be graduating with a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy from UBC in May.
Esther Thane, BMT, MTA, AVPT, is a dedicated therapist and the proud owner of ET Music Therapy Inc.
With a strong passion for addressing autism and diverse developmental needs, Esther has expanded her impact globally through her involvement with Mundo Pato, a therapy intelligence company and cloud publishing partner.
Alongside her local commitments, she has developed an influential curriculum, "Meet In The Music," tailored for music therapy with diverse support needs, offering transformative services from early intervention to adolescents and adults.
Esther's work extends beyond therapy, making a meaningful impact on students and their families by fostering connections with autistic individuals and creating a positive ripple effect in the community.
James Beck, a proud member of the Squamish Nation, currently serves as the Associate Dean of Academics at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT).
Guided by a deep commitment to Indigenous knowledge, culture, and tradition, James is dedicated to advancing learner-centred education that fosters academic excellence and community relevance at NVIT.
Recently, he returned to Capilano University to address new students in the summer of 2023's new student orientation and with Student Affairs through his facilitation in sharing circles for employees to work towards community responsibility, healing, unity, and well-being.
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