2011 BCIT Distinguished Alumni Awards, Michael Gartner - Outstanding Student Leadership

Registered Nurse, Vancouver Coastal Health
BCIT Alumni Association Outstanding Student Leadership Award
Bachelor of Science in Nursing '11

The Compassionate Healer: For Michael Gartner, life is all about balance. Moving to Vancouver from Munich, Germany, in 2005 after a semester in musical school, Michael sought a career path that would allow him the flexibility to work wherever, whenever, while providing direct care to people in need. For Michael, that career was nursing, so he enrolled in the newly-created BCIT three-year Bachelor of Science degree program.

Over his three years at BCIT, Michael excelled as a student, earning a first-class standing in all his courses. His natural desire to help others was demonstrated by his mentorship work with more junior Nursing students, and he even assisted program staff in running orientation and information sessions for new and prospective students.

Michael demonstrated exceptional leadership by acting as the BCIT student representative on both the BCIT Education Council and the BCIT Board of Governors. While attending BCIT full-time and taking on student governance roles and responsibilities, Michael always made time to give back to the community.

Michael hikes the local mountains with physically disabled adventurers with the BC Mobility Opportunity Society, and visits with one of his clients at the Lookout Emergency Society in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. He is also a licensed ski instructor, a black belt in Judo, and a gifted piano and Spanish guitar player.

Michael Gartner's instructors describe him as a generous mentor, influential leader, and a truly inspiring individual. Michael is already enjoying his new role as a registered nurse at Vancouver Coastal Health, and looks forward to mentoring new BCIT grads in the future.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Award Alumnus Registered Nurse

[Tiffanyfong0]

Good job!