CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
Capilano University hosts Partnering with Purpose event at Squamish campus

Partnership took centre stage in Squamish as Capilano University brought together alumni, students, industry leaders, and community members for Partnering with Purpose, an afternoon of collaboration, innovation and regional connection.

Brian Storey, associate vice-president, Squamish, leads a panel discussion emphasizing the spirit of collaboration. Gerald Wolfe Photography

Held on Thursday, Sept. 18, the afternoon featured a panel discussion, campus tours and a networking reception. More than 50 attendees explored CapU's growing presence in Squamish and learned about opportunities for work-integrated learning, applied research and community partnerships.

Organized in collaboration with the Capilano University Alumni Association, Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), the Office of Creative Activity, Research & Scholarship (CARS) and the Career Development Centre (CDC), the free event aimed to foster meaningful connections across the Sea-to-Sky region.

Brian Storey, associate vice-president, Squamish, led a panel discussion emphasizing the spirit of collaboration.

"Meaningful partnerships are built on trust, shared values and a willingness to learn from one another," he said. "That's what today is all about bringing educators, community leaders, students and partners together to explore working together with purpose and intention."

The event showcased the University's commitment to building a vibrant academic and professional ecosystem in Squamish, inviting participants to engage with CapU's vision for the future and discover ways to collaborate with students and faculty.

The panel discussion explored how community members and organizations can partner with CapU on research and find students looking for work experience or job placements.

Panelists (from left): Magdalena Mot, David Lisle, Andrea Heaney, Maja Horgas, Cathie Greenlees, Brian Storey. Gerald Wolfe Photography

Andrea Heaney, project manager (NSERC), CARS, talked about the department and explained that grant money is available to support the costs of research, including the costs of hiring students.

Magdalena Mot, senior manager, WIL, explained the different types of work-integrated learning opportunities available that employers can take advantage of.

Maja Horgas, manager, CDC, encouraged employers to use CapU's job posting board and participate in career fairs. 

The CapU panelists were joined on stage by two alumni: David Lisle, a student research representative, who spoke about the value of working on a research project going beyond the technical skills, and Cathie Greenlees, a Squamish community member and graduate of multiple programs at Capilano University who shared how "CapU was absolutely life-changing."