More than 3,000 graduates crossed the stage in seven ceremonies over four days at University Canada West’s Summer 2026 Convocation.
Dr. Bashir Makhoul, President & Vice-Chancellor, addressed the graduating students.
“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 led to this moment,” he said.
Graduates from the Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and Associate of Arts degree programs celebrated with family and friends at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver.
Honorary Doctorates
During convocation, UCW awarded two honorary doctorates to deserving individuals.
Educator, clinical counsellor and mental health professional, Dr. Sandy Dhami, OBC, received an Honorary Doctorate from University Canada West.
Dr. Dhami has been supporting children with special needs across British Columbia for more than 25 years.
An honorary doctorate was also awarded to former provincial and federal public servant, social worker, counsellor, volunteer and agent for social change, Patsy George, OC, OBC.
Patsy has fostered innovation and social change in communities across British Columbia and Canada for more than 55 years.
Valedictorian
Stephanie Quek Zhen Ling was named UCW’s Summer 2026 valedictorian after graduating from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a 4.15 CGPA.
“You are leaving with more than a degree. You are leaving with proof that you can do difficult things. Proof that you are the kind of person who shows up,” she said in her valedictory address.
Teaching & Research Awards
Four instructors were presented with Teaching & Research Awards.
Dr. Hamed Taherdoost is the recipient of the Sustained Research Excellence Award. Dr. Taherdoost has developed an internationally recognized research portfolio spanning digital transformation, artificial intelligence adoption, cybersecurity governance, blockchain systems and research methodology. His work combines scholarly rigour with practical relevance, helping organizations understand and respond to emerging technologies.
Dr. Mohammad Osman Gani was presented with the Early Career Researcher Award for a research program that has grown at a remarkable rate since he completed his PhD at Hiroshima University in 2023.
Dr. Gani's work sits at the intersection of international marketing, consumer behaviour and supply chain management, probing a question that matters more than ever: how do people and firms make decisions when the future is uncertain?
Dr. Mitra Madanchian received the Leadership in Teaching & Learning Award to honour a body of work that has reshaped the Bachelor of Commerce program in just a few short years.
Dr. Vaishali Sethi is the recipient of UCW’s Sustained Excellence in Teaching & Learning Award. Dr. Sethi is an Associate Professor of Marketing in the Department of Marketing, Strategy and Entrepreneurship whose impact on students, colleagues and the broader UCW community has been both profound and enduring.
Medals for Academic Excellence
In addition, four students earned Medals for Academic Excellence for their record of exceptional academic achievement throughout their studies.
Ummay Salma Urme came from Bangladesh to pursue an MBA at UCW and graduated with a 4.09 CGPA, and Sashanna Peta-Gay, from Jamaica, also graduated from the MBA program with a 4.09 CGPA.
Julio Cesar is from Peru. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce and graduated with a 4.07 CGPA.
Myat Thu came to UCW to pursue an Associate of Arts degree from Myanmar. She graduated with a 3.92 CGPA.
During his address, President Makhoul welcomed the new graduates to the alumni family and encouraged them to stay in touch.
“You will always be part of the UCW family and part of our story. We want to hear what happens next in your story, so please stay connected through our Alumni Network,” Dr. Makhoul said.
