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
Nhicelee Galapate
Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management
Friday, February 27 - Morning Ceremony
Beyond her impressive academic achievements that include a 4.1 cumulative grade point average, Nhicelee has demonstrated exceptional perseverance throughout her time at KPU by balancing her work schedule and volunteer commitments with her studies.
Her academic journey at the Melville School of Business at KPU included an internship at Westland Insurance through the Melville Business Strategy Internship program. This work-integrated learning program equipped her to apply human resources program-specific knowledge in a workplace environment. Working with Westland’s learning and development team, Nhicelee collaborated on the creation of learning plans, developed WHMIS safety training videos and supported employee development initiatives.
Nhicelee further complemented her studies by participating in a two-week study abroad program and field schools that took her to Japan, the United Kingdom and France. She also worked as a student assistant with KPU International, contributing to an inclusive campus environment and enhancing her cross-cultural communication skills. Additionally, she volunteered to support KPU Open House and assisted students from Japan with speaking sessions and field trips, as part of a short-term program organized by KPU International’s Office of Global Engagement.
Outside of KPU, Nhicelee gives back to her community by volunteering with the New Living Assembly Langley Outreach worship team, serving as a pianist and vocalist. Nhicelee is grateful to her instructors, peers and mentors, as well as her family and friends for their guidance and inspiration. She is excited to continue growing professionally and contributing to the field of human resources and her community.
Diploma Program
Katelyn Watson
Associate of Arts in Psychology
Tuesday, February 24 - Morning Ceremony
Growing up with chronic pain and illness, Katelyn Watson often felt lost and hopeless. A lack of support from the healthcare system meant she had to learn to cope with her health challenges on her own.
Determined to support and empower patients going through similar experiences, she enrolled in KPU’s Associate of Arts in Psychology program.
Throughout her studies at KPU, Watson has demonstrated her commitment to advocacy and research through several extracurricular activities — all while maintaining a 4.29 CGPA.
Serving on the KPU Accessibility Committee, Watson contributed significantly to developing KPU’s first Accessibility Plan. She also worked as a research assistant on a project assessing the accessibility of admissions policies and procedures among postsecondary institutions in BC. This research was published in a report co-authored by Watson.
Beyond KPU, Watson has volunteered with the BC Children’s Hospital since 2019, contributing to programs and committees on pain management, patient safety, youth-friendly care and more.
Watson plans to continue pursuing research and advocacy on health and disability, and is now working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health at the University of Victoria. She’s also working as one of the first research assistants at the SFU School of Medicine, studying the relational and structural conditions within our healthcare system that shape whether care feels validating, safe and compassionate for young people with chronic health conditions.