Our graduates have always given back to their communities – we know the impact you make in your industries, your networks and as Bow Valley College alumni, giving back to your alma mater. You know firsthand the challenges our students face and in 2020, you stepped up to the plate!

March 2020 brought many changes and challenges to our students as COVID-19 spread and we all transitioned to studying from home, wearing masks and keeping our distance. We saw a need to support our students through this challenging time; to respond, we established the COVID-19 Emergency Bursary Fund, and called out to our grads to donate and help our current students who were struggling. Erinn-Joy Mediran-Canda, a 2019 Business Administration Certificate grad, was one of our Bow Valley College alumna who answered the call.

“When I received an email from Bow Valley College about an opportunity to help students, particularly international students (like myself), who are trying their best to study and work at the same time in a foreign land, I wanted to help in any way that I can,” says Erinn, who landed a job a month after graduation as an administrative assistant, with the same company she completed her practicum study with, a testament to the impact of her Bow Valley College Education. “I was a recipient of other people’s generosity when I received a student award in 2019, so I thought this was the perfect time for me to give back the blessing I once received.” Erinn donated to the COVID-19 Emergency Bursary Fund, and continues to donate monthly to support our Financial Needs Bursary program, ensuring students in financial need will have access to funds needed to continue their education, free from financial stress.

Erinn is a newcomer to Canada, she came here in 2018 from the Philippines to further her education and career goals, after many years away from school. “It was an extremely exciting experience and yet, a terrifying one at the same time! My time at Bow Valley College was an everyday journey to learning new things and meeting new people that eventually became my friends and even became like a family to me.”
The family atmosphere is one Erinn connected with at Bow Valley College and is one of the major reasons she chose to give back. Erinn was a peer tutor during her time as a student and values volunteering. ‘I tried to enlist in various volunteer opportunities because I got to meet a lot of amazing people from whom I learned so many things, things that I never would have learned inside the four corners of a classroom.’

Erinn knows the impact Bow Valley College made on her life and is eager to share her experience and encourage others to give back to the College that helped set her up for success. “I will forever be grateful to Bow Valley College for helping me build a career in Canada.” She encourages others to get involved too. “Pay it forward. Give. Spread goodness with no strings attached. You may not be able to help the whole world, but you can make a difference in someone’s whole world.”

We have many ways for you to make a difference in the life of a student – you can become a mentor, volunteer at one of our events, or donate here to support students in need. You can make a difference in our community, just like Erinn did! Giving back just feels good, join us today!