President's Outstanding Graduate Award
Presented annually, the President’s Outstanding Graduate Award encourages KPU students to excel in their chosen fields of study and to participate in the university, student and community activities to the benefit of others. Recipients have completed all their study in one program at KPU, have consistently shown outstanding ability in the field, have contributed in a significant way to KPU or community affairs, and may be recommended by faculty.
Bachelor's Degree Program
Grace Parker Palidwor
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Wednesday, February 26 - Afternoon Ceremony
Diagnosed with arthritis at 18 months old, Grace Parker Palidwor spent her childhood struggling with the reality of living with a chronic disease and trying to fit in with her peers. But at B.C. Children’s Hospital, she’d receive quality care from a variety of health care professionals to deal with these challenges.
Struggles with chronic pain and mental health, coupled with immense gratitude for her physicians, led Ms. Parker Palidwor to a career in counselling. In 2019, she enrolled in KPU’s psychology and counselling programs and fell in love with the study of the human brain and its inner workings. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Counselling, Ms. Parker Palidwor plans to pursue graduate studies and become a registered clinical counsellor.
In addition to her undergraduate psychology studies, Ms. Parker Palidwor recently received a Certificate in Non-Governmental Organizations and Nonprofit Studies from KPU. Through this program, she’s completed many hours of volunteering through various KPU committees and departments, including the Accessibility Committee, Global Education Advisory Committee, and Orientation and Transitions department.
Ms. Parker Palidwor has also devoted hundreds of hours with the Arthritis Society Canada. She’s shared her story with CTV Morning Live, CBC BC Today, and Global BC Weekend to raise awareness, dispel myths and educate others about arthritis.
Diploma Program
Sau Yi (Vivian) Lau
Diploma, Traditional Chinese Medicine - Accupuncture
Monday, February 24 - Morning Ceremony
Sau Yi (Vivian) Lau has always been fascinated by science, especially the interaction between humans and the natural world. This curiosity led her to study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and in 2022, she immigrated to Canada to start her educational journey at KPU.
With her Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine – Acupuncture now in hand, Ms. Lau plans to practise as an acupuncturist with a goal to help the community — particularly the elderly — maintain their physical health and spiritual wellness. Ms. Lau wants to become a full TCM practitioner and plans to continue her TCM training through KPU’s new Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program.
Ms. Lau has been active in the community both on and off campus, including by volunteering at World TCM and Acupuncture Week and Science Rendezvous on behalf of KPU. She has also assisted at weekly exercise classes for seniors with the Gaia Community Care and Wellness Society, and helped the nonprofit organization Ave Maria Garden hold floral workshops to deliver love and care to the community.
Beyond the outstanding academic achievements that earned her a place on the Dean’s Honour Roll each term, Ms. Lau has demonstrated a natural ability to connect with patients by wholeheartedly applying her TCM knowledge in the Student Acupuncture Clinic at KPU.