On November 20, 2024, the Acsenda School of Management (ASM) proudly hosted its 20th Anniversary Gala, a landmark celebration of two decades of academic excellence, community growth, and student success. Held at the elegant Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, the gala brought together 270 attendees, including alumni, students, staff, and distinguished guests, for an unforgettable evening of reflection, connection, and celebration.
Highlights of the Evening
The evening’s program was thoughtfully curated to honor Acsenda’s journey over the last 20 years and inspire excitement for the future. The event celebrated the theme “The Five Senses”, creating an immersive experience to connect with the richness of culture, community, and shared purpose.
A Sensory Celebration!
As part of the gala’s concept, the evening engaged all five senses:
- Smell
Guests were greeted with handcrafted soaps created by an Indigenous woman entrepreneur “RavenSong Soaps”. These tokens symbolized Acsenda’s dedication to supporting local and diverse businesses and reflected the beauty of creativity and community-driven initiatives.- Taste
The dinner was a celebration of diversity, presenting a fusion of flavors that told a story:
- Salmon, representing the deep roots of Indigenous culture and honoring local traditions.
- Chicken, a symbol of global culinary inclusion and the cultural connections that define the Acsenda community.
Together, the dishes celebrated heritage and the shared experiences that bring us closer as a community.- Sight
A captivating slideshow and heartfelt videos showcased milestones, memories, and achievements from Acsenda’s 20-year journey, illustrating the transformative power of education and connection.- Touch
Connection came alive through the warmth of shared conversations, laughter, embodying the evening’s purpose of celebrating togetherness and creating lasting memories.- Sound
From the uplifting words of inspiring speeches to the vibrant music performed by Lord Nation, the evening resonated with a symphony of celebration and community spirit.
Welcoming Moments
The evening began with registration, networking, and a lively photo booth, followed by a heartfelt land acknowledgment and inspiring remarks from representatives of the City of Vancouver, the BC Government, and the Federal Government. Special guests, including Councillor Lisa Dominato, shared the significance of the event with warmth and pride.
Engagement and Entertainment
Interactive activities like a trivia game and a lucky draw brought fun and energy to the evening. A carefully curated dinner slideshow took attendees on a visual journey through Acsenda’s most cherished moments.
Honoring the Past, Present, and Future
The highlight of the evening was the ASM Past, Present, and Future segment. Esteemed leaders shared their insights and reflections on Acsenda’s impact and vision:
- Dean Duperon, Founder of SSDC
- Patrick Dang, President of SSDC/ASM
- Dr. Lindsay Redpath, President of ASM
- Dr. Neil Mort, President of ASM
- Gary Buik, Chief People Officer, CEO BPP North America
Personal stories from alumni, including Jose Lindbergh Salve, Revie Bao, Laurie Jane Abatayo, Marcella Desjarlais, John Reano, and Laura Judith Reyes Lopez, highlighted how Acsenda has shaped their personal and professional journeys.
Supporting Reconciliation Through Art
The gala marked the launch of a silent auction featuring a breathtaking Indigenous Sun Mask Carving by Coast Salish artist Darren Yelton. This six-foot carving, symbolizing warmth, light, and life, honors the Haida oral tradition. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS) and their “Developing Gifts for Our Children Fund”, supporting Indigenous youth and families. The auction is open until December 5, 2024, with a starting bid of $3,000. To participate, email your bids to ASMpledge@acsenda.com
A Community Effort
This milestone event was made possible by the dedication of Acsenda’s community:
This milestone event was made possible by the dedication of Acsenda’s community:
- The organizing committee, led by Tania Castillo, with invaluable contributions from Mary Charleson, Pomponia Martinez, Neil Mort, Azra Semanic, Jian Huang, WenDee Wong, Teresita de la Cruz, Javier Torres, Carlos Reyes, and Cherry Regalado.
- Student ambassadors, including Selina Burlakoti, Prince Gatare, Richard Vidal, Marla Heasley, and Thea Pugales, whose energy and support made the evening run smoothly.
- Volunteers, such as Rajveer Kaur, Rae Hannah, Christian Camurri, Kirti, Khyati Arora, Jamalia Palawan, Don de la Pena, Marysol Tan, and Rejie Aton, who played an essential role in creating a memorable experience for everyone.Partnerships with Ravensong Soaps, Lord Nation, and the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, who added special touches to the evening.
Looking Ahead
As Acsenda celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering academic excellence, inclusivity, and community partnerships. The 20th Anniversary Gala serves as a powerful reminder of the institution’s impact over the past two decades and its vision for the future.
Thank you to everyone who joined and supported this meaningful celebration. Together, we look forward to shaping the next 20 years of success and innovation.
Relive the Celebrations
- Gala Event Photos: View here
- Documentary Video: Watch here
- Alumni Vignettes: Playlist here
Thank you for being part of these celebrations. Together, we have honored our past, embraced our present, and envisioned a bright future for Acsenda School of Management.
Stay tuned for more updates and photos from the event on our website and social media platforms!
