By Brendan Clugston
MBA Games, a pair of record-setting convocations, an award-winning video series and a big anniversary were among the highlights at University Canada West in 2024.
There were celebrations a-plenty as UCW turned 20! It was in 2004 that UCW was born–Dr. David Strong, former president of the University of Victoria, founded UCW as an institution that would “deliver post-secondary education in new and innovative ways.”
Twenty years later, UCW has grown to two campuses in Vancouver and more than 14,000 students.
The anniversary was celebrated with several events, including the UCW Block Party held in September at Vancouver House.
Other highlights of the year include:
Graduates time to shine
University Canada West held its largest Convocation ever as more than 3,600 students graduated over eight ceremonies May 28 to 31 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
However, UCW’s largest convocation ever milestone didn’t last long, as UCW’s Fall 2024 Convocation was even bigger as nearly 4,000 students graduated over eight ceremonies October 28 to 30 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver.
New mascot
UCW’s first mascot Stanley the Otter debuted at Fall 2024 Convocation. The jovial otter was the result of a long collaborative and inclusive consultation process, including with our Indigenous Advisory Council, which resulted in a mascot that represents UCW’s dynamic community and honours our University’s rich cultural heritage and inclusive ethos. You can look forward to seeing Stanley at future events.
MBA Games
University Canada West’s MBA Games team entered the year as reigning 2023 BC MBA Games champions and quickly added a national championship in January.
UCW finished first out of 16 teams in the national MBA Games held January 5 to 7 hosted by Brock’s Goodman School of Business. UCW was the top school out of 16 competing universities from across Canada. It was only UCW’s second time at the national MBA Games.
As BC champs, UCW hosted and competed in this year’s competition from October 18 to 20 at Vancouver House Campus and other venues around Vancouver. UCW is also is hosting the 2025 national MBA Games January 3 to 5, featuring top business schools from across Canada.
UCW hosts pitch night
University Canada West hosted its first-ever UCW Pitch Night event on November 1 at Vancouver House, showcasing its students’ entrepreneurial talent and giving them a platform to present their business ideas to investors and industry experts.
The event featured seven business pitches from undergraduate students in UCW’s Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and Associate of Arts programs. Teams of students presented their groundbreaking ideas for solving real-world challenges, ranging from sustainable food practices and supply chain sustainability to mental health support, health and fitness as well as healthcare.
Understanding Indigenous History
University Canada West produced the acclaimed Understanding Indigenous History: A Path Forward series.
Released in April, the six-part series aims to encourage Canadians to learn about Indigenous history through powerful personal narratives.
Understanding Indigenous History: A Path Forward is hosted by award-winning Canadian broadcast journalist Lisa LaFlamme and features extensive interviews with prominent First Nations leader Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and internationally recognized human rights expert Kathleen Mahoney, as well as special guests.
The series endeavours to help viewers navigate the intricate webs of Indigenous history and Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
The series, which has won multiple awards, is available to view on UCW’s YouTube Channel and listen to as a podcast.
Cricket team shares championship
UCW’s cricket team went to bat in the LMS Canadian University/College Cricket League and made the finals in their debut year. The team consisted of 10 core players who competed against 13 other university and college teams across BC.
With the final rained out, UCW’s team was named joint champion along with co-finalist Coquitlam College Lions. The feat qualified UCW for the LMS World Champs in 2025 and 2026.
Campus building named after former president
University Canada West renamed its Vancouver House Campus East Building in honour of former President and Vice-Chancellor Sheldon Levy.
Mr. Levy, a former Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan) University President and Vice-Chancellor, was with UCW from 2021 to 2023. Under Mr. Levy’s leadership, UCW experienced significant growth, expanding to more than 14,000 students from over 110 countries. The dedication of the Sheldon Levy East Building took place on June 26.
Leadership team grows
UCW added to its leadership team in 2024.
Dr. Mazi Shirvani was appointed University Canada West’s interim Vice President, Academic in March.
Lisa Collins joined in the newly created position of Vice President, Student Experience in May.
And Dr. Sandra Song joined in the new position of Dean of the School of Arts, Science and Technology in October.
