University Canada West’s Fall 2025 Convocation brought together 3,400 graduates, their families, faculty and community leaders for a four-day celebration of achievement, service and inspiration.
This year’s ceremonies introduced the inaugural UCW Alumni Awards, recognized outstanding faculty, awarded two Honorary Doctorates and acknowledged Chancellor Mitchell Gropper as he concluded his distinguished service to the University. The events highlighted UCW’s commitment to fostering leadership, innovation and community engagement across all facets of the institution.
“Graduates, this is your day. A day to reflect on your time as a student. A day to recall your experiences both in your studies and in your personal life. A day to feel proud of yourselves for what you’ve achieved. But most of all, a day to look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of you,” UCW President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bashir Makhoul said to graduates.
Honouring Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Research
UCW celebrated three faculty members whose dedication to teaching, mentorship and research continues to elevate the academic experience.
Shereen Kotb, recipient of the Leadership in Teaching & Learning Award, was recognized for establishing UCW’s first Model United Nations Initiative, which led to the University’s award-winning debut at the Northwest Model UN Conference in Oregon.
Dr. Rafia Faiz, honoured with the Sustained Excellence in Teaching & Learning Award, was celebrated for her student-centered, inclusive and innovative teaching philosophy, as well as her significant contributions to curriculum development and faculty mentorship.
Dr. Kaye Hare, recipient of the Early Career Researcher Award, was acknowledged for her impactful scholarship in sexuality education and her transformative leadership as Chair of UCW’s Research Ethics Board, where she strengthened research governance and ethics processes. She was unable to receive her award in person.
Together, their contributions reflect UCW’s strong commitment to academic excellence and meaningful student engagement.
Commemorating Academic Outstanding Achievement
Olatunji Awelenje, University Canada West’s Fall 2025 Valedictorian, graduated from the MBA program with a 4.15 CGPA after a remarkable international career in pharmaceutical sales and brand management with companies such as Pfizer, Roche, AstraZeneca and Sanofi. Born in the United Kingdom and raised in Lagos, he earned a pharmacy degree from the University of Lagos and later completed professional programs through institutions including Harvard’s Joslin School and Google’s Square Academy. Despite the profound loss of his mother just days before relocating to Vancouver, Olatunji persevered, excelling academically while working in roles with Telus, UCW and TD Bank. Fluent in four languages and passionate about marketing, he credited his family for their support and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the graduating class’s success.
This year’s Medal for Academic Excellence recipients include MBA graduate Shahriar Shafei from Iran with a 4.11 CGPA; Rhyza Gael Esteban Cerilla from the Philippines, who earned her Associate of Arts degree with a 4.05 CGPA; Cristina Helena Matus Sobalvarro of Nicaragua, who completed her Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication with a 3.88 CGPA; and Martin Alejandro Pasquel Gualle of Ecuador, who graduated from the Bachelor of Commerce program with a 3.97 CGPA.
Celebrating Alumni Leadership and Resilience
The launch of the UCW Alumni Awards marked a milestone in celebrating the diverse and transformative contributions of UCW graduates. The inaugural Overcoming Adversity Award was presented to Anju Varghese, whose perseverance during her MBA studies—while facing threats to her safety, unstable housing and significant personal trauma—demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Today, she is advancing in the banking sector and actively supports international students with guidance on safety, career preparation and mental-health resources. The Emerging Leader Award was presented to Xavier Varghese, founder of SX Energy Efficiency Solutions Inc., who has quickly become a prominent voice in sustainability and clean-energy innovation. His work helping organizations reduce emissions, along with his community-focused environmental advocacy, reflects the forward-looking leadership UCW strives to cultivate.
Honouring Distinguished Community Leaders
The launch of the UCW Alumni Awards marked a milestone in celebrating the diverse and transformative contributions of UCW graduates. The inaugural Overcoming Adversity Award was presented to Anju Varghese, whose perseverance during her MBA studies—while facing threats to her safety, unstable housing and significant personal trauma—demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Today, she is advancing in the banking sector and actively supports international students with guidance on safety, career preparation and mental-health resources. The Emerging Leader Award was presented to Xavier Varghese, founder of SX Energy Efficiency Solutions Inc., who has quickly become a prominent voice in sustainability and clean-energy innovation. His work helping organizations reduce emissions, along with his community-focused environmental advocacy, reflects the forward-looking leadership UCW strives to cultivate.
Honouring Distinguished Community Leaders
Two Honorary Doctorates of Laws were presented to community advocates whose lifelong contributions have reshaped support systems and advanced social well-being in British Columbia and beyond.
Dr. Gary Thandi, founder of Moving Forward Family Services, was honoured for creating one of Canada’s most accessible mental-health counselling networks, serving 2,500 clients monthly in 30 languages. Motivated by personal loss, he built a model that removes financial, cultural and systemic barriers to care, while mentoring future mental-health professionals.
Dr. Margaret Mubanda, a longtime champion for immigrant families, women and youth, was recognized for decades of service as a social worker, foster parent and community leader. Her work—spanning co-founding the Daughters of Hope Resource Society to spearheading reforms for youth aging out of care—has profoundly strengthened social supports across British Columbia. Both honourees encouraged graduates to carry forward their skills and compassion to uplift their communities.
A Farewell to Chancellor Mitchell Gropper
This convocation also marked the conclusion of service for Chancellor Mitchell Gropper, a longstanding member of the Board of Governors whose leadership and commitment have played a pivotal role in UCW’s growth and development. The University expressed its gratitude for his years of guidance and service, which have helped shape UCW’s future.
UCW’s Fall 2025 Convocation celebrated not only academic achievement but also the resilience, innovation and community spirit that define the University. Through the accomplishments of graduates, alumni, faculty and distinguished honourees, the ceremonies showcased the profound and lasting impact of the UCW community—locally, nationally and globally.
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