Every year, during November is Outstanding, we recognize all of the alumni employees currently working in many of our departments. They help from everything as instructors, Facilities, student services and more. Although we are not able to celebrate in our traditional in-person event, we still want to recognize all of the hard work our Langaran employee family puts in every day. This year, we sat down with a few of our employees and asked them how it's like to be an employee and Langaran. 

 

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Diane Thompson has a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of British Columbia and has over 30 years working in a variety of different roles in libraries. She also holds a Library Technician Diploma. from Langara College. The main focus of her work over the last decade has been in library management and administration, information literacy and instruction. Prior to working at Langara College, Diane was the regional coordinator and library manager at Natural Resources Canada. She has also been an adjunct professor at UBC’s SLAIS. Currently, she teaches information literacy, online search and library systems as part of the curriculum. Diane has been the Chair of the Library & Information Technology Program since 2013. Learn more about her story here. 
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Jack Do had a dream that propelled him. He wanted to study marketing overseas, but quickly realized he needed to improve his English language skills first. From his home in Vietnam, he enrolled in the Langara English for Academic Purposes (LEAP) program, so he could fulfil the requirements of the post-degree diploma in marketing. Jack is now Marketing and Recruitment Assistant, Langara Global. Read about his story here. 

 
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Justin Yau has celebrated over 20 years of service at Langara and is the Deputy Chief Information Officer in the IT - Information Technology department. He started out as a technician and advanced into several leadership roles in the College. Justin is a graduate of Langara’s Computer Science program in 2001. In 2019, he completed his Master of Business Administration from UNBC and looks forward to continued growth and lifelong learning. Learn more about his story here.

 

 

 
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Rita Yip completed the Art in Merchandising program at Langara in 1990 and pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Emily Carr University. Since 2016, she is the Program Coordinator and Studio Technician at the Fine Arts department at Langara. Rita is very engaged in different projects at the College including the Silent Auction Committee from the Support Our Students Campaign, helping raise funds for students in financial need. Before working in higher education, she was also an arts and craft instructor at Providence Health Care. Read more about her story here.

 

 
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Darren Bernaerdt is a 1988 Dean’s List graduate of the Photo Imaging Program at Langara. He was drawn back to the College after graduation and spent two decades teaching in the publishing and photography program. In 2018, Darren was the Education Council Chair and the following year, he became the Division Chair for the Creative Arts and Industries programs until 2021. Darren is now the interim Dean of Arts. He is passionate about helping students achieve their dreams and therefore, established the Bernaerdt Family Scholarship in Publishing. Until this day, Darren continues to maintain his skills through seminars and has an on-going freelance business. Learn more about his story here.

 
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In 2017, Anna Beck graduated from the Business Management Diploma program and is now pursuing a BBA in Accounting from Langara. She currently works in the Financial Aid and Information Services department as the Assistant Registrar. During the 3 years that she’s been with Langara, she has also been a Supervisor for Financial Aid, and for the Recruitment and Admission Advising department before her current position. Anna is actively involved within the College and beyond. For the past 13 years, Anna has also been volunteering as a fundraiser for a charitable organization called Lookout Housing and Health Society. Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with her adorable equestrian pal Gypsy. Read more about her story here.
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Jatin Chhabra has worked at Langara College since 2018 and is a Computer Support Technician at the IT – Information Technology department. He is a 2019 graduate of the Computer Studies Diploma program. On campus, Jatin has contributed to the Langara community in many different roles, as an International Student Ambassador, Career Leader, Gym Assistant, Teaching Assistant and Deployment Technician before his current position. Read more about his story here.

 

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Courtenay Dobbie is an instructor in the Theatre Arts, Studio 58 program since 2017 and has been the Artistic Director since 2021. She is a graduate of the acting programs at Langara and Mount Royal College. Courtenay also holds an Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of British Columbia. Prior to Langara, she was the Artistic Director of Caravan Farm Theatre from 2010 to 2017. She has commissioned, created, developed, and directed fifteen original world-premiere Canadian and classic productions. Courtenay has also worked as an actor, director, choreographer, and creator in many theatre companies across Canada. Read more about her story here.
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Gail Bremer worked in numerous roles during her 33 years at Langara, as a Nursing Instructor, coordinator for the Langara Employee Development Centre, Administrator of the Nursing program, and Manager of Nursing’s professional development funds. As a program pioneer, she was part of the College’s first International Nursing program and First Nations Continuing Studies pilot project. An alum of Langara and a former Falcons volleyball player, she continues to be an avid supporter of the College and the Falcons. Gail is an active member of the Langara College Association of Retirees, and volunteers more than 900 hours annually to organizations such as the Vancouver Aquarium, Easter Seal, Operation Red Nose, and Soccer Canada. In recognition of her generous contributions to the community, in 2019, she was the recipient of the 49 Langarans award, the 2012 Langara Leadership Award, Andre Tee Service Award, and multiple Richmond Mayor’s Sustainability and Environmental Awards. Read more about her story here.