Advisory Council Team

Adam Popien completed his Red Seal at TRU in 2010. He originally moved to Kamloops in 2007 to start his Level C welding program and returned for his Level B in 2010, at which time he wrote the exam to obtain his interprovincial Red Seal in the trade.

After six years in the industry and many moves back and forth between BC and Alberta, he took his real estate exam and became a licensed realtor in 2015. Adam is currently a realtor at RE/MAX Kamloops. “I believe TRU is one of the core foundations of our community and worth being a part of in the long term,” he says. “I enjoyed my time on the board as part of the engagement committee looking for new ways to keep current and past TRU alumni connected with their school. We wanted former students to be proud of the school they attended and allow easier ways for them to share their experiences with new or current students.”

Dino Bernardo graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 2001. While in school, he helped with men’s soccer and was part of the 1998 CCAA National Champions. Dino has returned to the team, now as the team manager.

Outside of TRU, Dino is a local entrepreneur who is a partner in The Commodore Grand Cafe & Lounge, Fiore Fresco Cannabis and the soon-to-open Local Public Eatery. Dino joined the Alumni Advisory Council to give back to his alma mater.

Max Patel came to Kamloops in 2016 and has been in love with the community ever since. He graduated from TRU in 2018 with a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Marketing. During his studies, Max was the internal VP of the TRU Modern Marketing Association and production director of TEDx-TRU 2017, and he attended the 2017 Digital Marketing World Forum in New York.

Currently, Max is advertising specialist at Pattison Media in Kamloops. He joined the council to give back to the TRU community and help build the alumni network. When he’s not working, you will find Max volunteering at community events and exploring the great outdoors that Kamloops has to offer.

Mike completed his apprenticeship at TRU in 1997. He is currently working in the School of Trades and Technology at TRU as an electrical teacher. Mike joined the Alumni Advisory Council to be an advocate for the trades and technology programs that TRU offers.

Karie completed her BBA at TRU in 2017. As a student, she was an active member of the HR Club and Philosophy Club and was a part of the PHP Conferences. She attended TRU from 2005 to 2017, taking courses as time and schedule would allow with a full-time job, raising a family and being an active part of the community.

Currently, Karie is co-owner/co-manager of Windsor Plywood Kamloops. When Karie graduated from TRU, she realized that she didn't want to leave the place that had become her second home without giving back. “Being an alum is being part of something bigger than ourselves—after you graduate you belong to a group of like-minded individuals,” Karie says. “You belong to something important and valuable. I hope to show others by giving back that their experience and time at TRU has been one of value and significance.”

Nicole graduated from TRU with a BBA in 2018. She is currently working at Canadian Western Bank as a relationship manager, cash management. Nicole joined the Alumni Advisory Council as an opportunity to get more involved as an alum and to help connect other alumni in her network with TRU.

Roberto graduated from TRU in 2009 with a BBA. He is currently a chartered professional accountant and works at School District 73 as the manager of finance. Roberto joined the Alumni Advisory Council because he wants to help grow the mentorship program and night.