University Canada West (UCW) proudly celebrated the achievements of its graduates during the 2026 Summer Convocation, recognizing academic excellence, groundbreaking research, transformative leadership and extraordinary service to communities in Canada and beyond.

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The ceremony brought together graduates, faculty, staff, family members and distinguished guests to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 while honoring individuals whose work continues to make a lasting impact through research, education and community leadership.

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The Summer 2026 Convocation also welcomed Dr. Cyndi McLeod, CEO of GUS North America and Chair of University Canada West's Board of Governors, who joined the ceremony to congratulate graduates as they celebrated this important milestone.

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Celebrating an Inspiring Valedictorian

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This year's Summer 2026 Valedictorian, Stephanie Quek Zhen Ling, graduated from UCW's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with an outstanding 4.15 CGPA.

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Stephanie's journey is one of resilience, determination and continuous growth. After building a successful career in branding, marketing and communications, she embraced the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in Vancouver, demonstrating the courage to take on new challenges while remaining committed to lifelong learning.

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In her address to fellow graduates, Stephanie reminded the Class of 2026 that success is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the person you become throughout the journey.

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Honoring Leaders Who Inspire Change

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As part of this year's Convocation, UCW conferred Honorary Doctorates on two remarkable leaders whose careers have transformed lives through service, advocacy and education.

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Dr. Patsy George, OC, OBC, received an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of more than 55 years of leadership and social impact across British Columbia and Canada. A former provincial and federal public servant, social worker, counsellor, volunteer and advocate, she has dedicated her career to community development, immigrant and settlement services, and advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples. Her lifelong commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities has inspired generations of Canadians.

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UCW also recognized Dr. Sandy Dhami with an Honorary Doctorate for her outstanding contributions to mental health and inclusive education. For more than 25 years, Dr. Dhami has supported children with special needs throughout British Columbia as an educator, clinical counsellor and mental health professional. Her work has expanded access to mental health care, reduced stigma and advanced inclusive education for children and families, leaving a lasting impact on communities across the province.

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Recognizing Sustained Research Excellence

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During Convocation, UCW also honored Dr. Hamed Taherdoost with the Sustained Research Excellence Award for his exceptional contributions to research, innovation and academic scholarship.

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An internationally recognized researcher, Dr. Taherdoost has established an extraordinary body of work in digital transformation, artificial intelligence adoption, cybersecurity governance, blockchain systems and research methodology. Since joining UCW, he has published more than 190 Scopus-indexed publications, authored 16 scholarly books and contributed to more than 400 peer-reviewed publications.

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His research continues to influence scholars and practitioners around the world while strengthening UCW's reputation as a growing centre for research excellence and innovation.

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Celebrating the Class of 2026

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Summer 2026 Convocation celebrated far more than academic achievement. It recognized perseverance, innovation, service and leadership while highlighting the many ways UCW students, faculty and honourees are making meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

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Whether launching new careers, advancing research, advocating for social change or improving the lives of others through education and mental health, the individuals recognized during this year's ceremony embody the values that define University Canada West.

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UCW proudly congratulates the Summer 2026 graduating class and celebrates the remarkable achievements of Valedictorian Stephanie Quek Zhen Ling, Sustained Research Excellence Award recipient Dr. Hamed Taherdoost, and Honorary Doctorate recipients Patsy George, OC, OBC, and Dr. Sandy Dhami. Their accomplishments will continue to inspire future generations of students, researchers and leaders to make a meaningful difference in the world.
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