University Canada West’s Spring 2025 Convocation has come to a close after over 4,400 students graduated.
Spring 2025 convocation celebrated graduates from UCW’s Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and Associate of Arts programs at Queen Elizabeth Theatre from May 27-30.
“You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and proud of what you are part of. From the day you applied to study with us, everything we have done together has been leading up to this moment,” UCW President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bashir Makhoul told the graduates.
Cris de los Santos Andalis, from the Philippines, was UCW’s Spring 2025 valedictorian after graduating from the MBA program with a 4.07 CGPA.
“My fellow graduates, it wasn’t just sheer luck or a checklist of academic requirements that helped us reach this milestone,” he said during his valedictory address.
“This success was fueled by our courage to say yes. Yes, to opportunities, even when we were unsure. Yes, to growth, even when we were uncomfortable.”
Cris was an active member of the UCW Community and despite his academic accomplishments, his learning is not yet done. He is working towards earning his Canadian securities certification.
Community advocate Dr. William P.J. McCarthy O.B.C. and Conservationist Dr. George C. Reifel O.B.C., both received Honorary Doctorates.
Dr. McCarthy is a leading real estate expert, philanthropist and community advocate. His transformative contributions include the BC Cancer and Burnaby Hospital Foundations, as well as being a long-standing supporter of First Nations art and culture.
Dr. Reifel is a third-generation conservationist from British Columbia whose lifelong dedication to environmental preservation has made a lasting impact across North America. His legacy includes the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and his work with Ducks Unlimited Canada.
They were presented with the degree of Doctor of Law, honoris causa.
The Medal of Academic Excellence winners for Spring 2025 Convocation were:
Ana Regina Enerio Cantillon travelled from the Philippines to pursue the Master of Business Administration at UCW. She graduated from the program with a 4.11 Cumulative Grade Point Average.
Dewanshi came from India to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree at UCW. She graduated from the program with a 3.88 Cumulative Grade Point Average.
Vimasha Dilki Penaluwage came from Sri Lanka to pursue an Associate of Arts degree at UCW. She completed the program with a 4.02 Cumulative Grade Point Average.
Cristian Sebastian Olea ventured from Argentina to study UCW’s Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication program. He graduated with a 4.01 Cumulative Grade Point Average.
Three faculty members were also recognized during convocation.
Dr. Hamed Taherdoost was the recipient of the Sustained Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award, Victor Ba Nyar Naing was the recipient of the Sessional Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award and for the first-ever Sustained Research Excellence Award, Dr. Mohsen Saeedi was honoured.
“You are stepping out today into a world of great promise and opportunity,” Dr. Makhoul said. “Be ready to embrace the challenges and seize these opportunities with an open mind.”
“But always remember that success is not a destination – it is a journey. We look to you to become successful professionals, and that means you should continue to develop and realise your potential. Continue to learn, continue to question, continue to set and exceed new expectations.”
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Distinguished faculty recognized during Spring 2025 Convocation
