On Thursday 20 and Friday 21 July, over 2,000 students gathered at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver to celebrate their academic achievements during University Canada West’s Summer 2023 Convocation Ceremony.

Families, friends, faculty, staff and dignitaries joined the festivities, hailing graduates from 110 countries. The convocation encompassed four separate ceremonies, each dedicated to honouring the achievements of graduates from various degree programmes, including Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and Associate of Arts.

The ceremonies commenced with a grand procession, led by Corporal Bruce Coulter and Corporal Derek Smith, RCMP bagpipers. The traditional blessings were offered by Sit-a-Luk Raymond Jones Peter of the Quv’utsun First Nation, Drummer, while Rose Guerin, UCW Resident Elder, of the Musqueam First Nation, delivered a customary welcome.

Sheldon Levy, President at UCW, said: “Convocation is a moment for graduates to remember where they began and how far they have come. It’s a moment to recall the support from your great instructors who also serve as your mentors who instil a passion for learning in us.”

This year, UCW honoured four winners of the Medal for Academic Excellence to Leticia Nogueria, David Fernando Zambrano, Angie Gabriela Sanguino Santana, and UCW Valedictorian Micaela Del Roasario Maglalang. Additionally, Nicoletta Romano, Manager of the Library and Learning Commons, was awarded the Leadership in Teaching & Learning Award for her outstanding dedication and commitment to providing student-centred education.

Micaela Del Roasario Maglalang, UCW Valedictorian, said: “We made it! Embracing growth is a harsh and brutal road but you rose to the challenges and chose discomfort over complacency. We understood that true growth comes from pushing our boundaries, confronting our weaknesses and seeking new opportunities.”

Cyndi McLeod, CEO of Global University Systems Canada, said: “I can feel the excitement in the air today as we gather here from all corners of the world, united in our pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. This cohort of diverse cultures and backgrounds is incredible, and your accomplishments serve as a testament to the transformative power of education.”

The convocation was a heartfelt and memorable occasion that paid tribute to the hard work, dedication and perseverance demonstrated by each graduate.