University Canada West held its largest Convocation ever as more than 3,600 students graduated over eight ceremonies May 28-31 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

The Spring Convocation ceremonies featured graduates from UCW’s Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and Associate of Arts programs.

“Always remember that success is not a destination – it is a journey,” Dr. Bashir Makhoul, UCW’s President and Vice-Chancellor, told graduates. “We look to you to become successful professionals, and that means you should continue to develop and realize your potential. Continue to learn, continue to question, continue to set and exceed new expectations.

“But above all, continue to innovate. To be innovative is to be human. And it is through ingenuity that we engage uniquely with the world, making it a better place.”

Elva Lee Fisher was the Spring 2024 Convocation Valedictorian.

The Cochrane, Alberta resident graduated from UCW’s Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication degree. She studied online pausing her career as an Occupational Therapy Assistant when her children were young.

“Each of us had to overcome unique challenges to be here today. Many of you have travelled great distances and have been away from loved ones as you earned your degree,” she told the graduating class in her valedictorian address.

“Whatever obstacle you faced, you overcame it. Today is the day to recognize the strength and power you have within yourself to accomplish great things.”

She is graduating with distinction after earning a 4.13 Cumulative Grade Point Average.

Despite finishing her course work, Elva is still involved with UCW and is currently assisting Professor Wahiba Chair in a study about using X, formerly known as Twitter, as a learning tool for international students.

The Medal for Academic Excellence winners for Spring 2024 Convocation were:

  • Khin Thida, who is from Myanmar, graduated from UCW’s Master of Business Administration program with a 4.07 CPGA.
  • Maryam Mirahmadi, who is from Iran, also graduated from the MBA program with a 4.07 CPGA.
  • Vannia Andrea Yalan Granizo, of Peru, graduated from the Bachelor of Commerce program with a 3.97 CPGA.
  • Marianne de Faria Bechara Andere, of Brazil, completed the Associate of Arts program with a 4.21 CPGA.

Honorary doctorates were bestowed upon Dr. Roslyn Kunin, Dr. Terry Hunter and Dr. Savannah Walling.

Dr. Kunin is known as one of Canada’s foremost experts in community economic development and for her respectful and culturally sensitive work with Indigenous and new immigrant communities.

Dr. Hunter and Dr. Walling have dedicated their lives to breaking down the traditional silos of music, dance and theatre, using them as a vehicle to raise awareness about pressing issues in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, such as homelessness, poverty and justice for Indigenous and other marginalized people.

All three honourees were presented with the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

Dr. Noosha Mehdian received University Canada West’s Leadership in Teaching & Learning Award and Dr. Amit Kohli was presented with the Sustained Excellence in Teaching & Learning Award.

UCW established the Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards to recognize outstanding faculty and staff.

“Embrace curiosity, embrace resilience and above all, embrace the power of education to transform not only your own lives but the world around you,” Dr. Kohli told students.

“No matter what challenges lie ahead, stay curious and kind,” Dr. Mehdian said in her Convocation address. “Keep these qualities close to your heart and let them guide you toward a future full of purpose, fulfillment and boundless success.”

During his address to students, Dr. Makhoul said “Your experience with us has been informed by industry-leading research, and scholarly activity of our dedicated faculty and staff – many of whom are with me on this stage today. Throughout your study, they have challenged you, encouraged you, supported you and sometimes nagged you to reach your potential, and watched proudly as you have grown into the talented professionals sitting here today.”

Each Convocation ceremony began with RCMP bagpipers leading in the graduating students, a platform party processional led by drummer Sit-a-Luk Raymond Jones Peter of the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) First Nation and a traditional greeting from Elder Swutth’tus Calvin (Swutth’tus), also from Quw’utsun.

“We cannot thank you enough for persevering and completing all of your education that you received,” Sit-a-Luk said.

Cowichan First Nations artist Bambi Smith, who was commissioned by UCW to create a carving to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the University, unveiled her work at Convocation.

The 24-inch yellow cedar carving includes imagery of salmon, the moon and a human face. Bambi described her work as the Symbol of Life. She carved it in a circle to represent the cycle of life and as a reminder to keep moving forward and to keep reaching for our goals. The carving will be on permanent display at the UCW Vancouver House Campus.

This Convocation represented students from 80 different countries. Before telling graduates to toss their caps, UCW Chancellor Mitchell Groper, KC told the crowd their accomplishments were a well-deserved reason to celebrate.

“Remember your time at UCW. Remember the professors who taught and guided you. Remember the friends you made and studied with. Today is the closing of one chapter in your life and the opening of another one.”