Distinguished Scholarship Award
Exemplary teaching is a core element of KPU, and scholarship in its diverse forms is integral to that endeavour: the scholarship of discovery, creativity, application, teaching and learning, and integration. The KPU Award for Distinguished Scholarship is intended to recognize and celebrate outstanding examples of such scholarship.
Dr. Paul Adams
Biology
Tuesday, June 10 - Afternoon Ceremony
Paul is Director of the Applied Genomics Centre (AGC) at KPU. He is also a KPU biology instructor, the Sherman Jen Research Chair in Applied Genomics and a B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation ambassador.
Paul received his PhD in neuroscience from the University of British Columbia in 2010, completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University and has worked in the field of genetics for over 20 years. His expertise is in genomics, genotyping, metagenomics, quantitative PCR, Sanger sequencing, next generation sequencing, DNA profiling, molecular biology, cell biology and human neurological disease.
Since joining KPU in 2014, Paul has made immense contributions to research and innovation and has played a pivotal role in building applied research capacity within the Faculty of Science. He founded and scaled up the AGC, overseeing the creation of its two research laboratories equipped with cutting-edge genomics and metabolomics tools.
As Director of the AGC, Paul has nurtured over 70 partnerships and secured over $10 million in research funding — firmly establishing the AGC as a hub for innovation, industry collaboration and applied research addressing challenges in agriculture, climate change and public health. Hundreds of KPU students and faculty have since benefited from the research and scholarship opportunities through the AGC.
Paul strongly believes in the transfer of academic knowledge. He has presented at major forums and regularly shares the impact of his research with the public through the news media.
Professors Emeriti
Emeritus/Emerita is an honorary appointment for life awarded to a retired employee for distinguished service and academic contributions to KPU and establishes a relationship that is both symbolic and active. The emeritus/emerita appointment recognizes distinguished performance of an employee, honours the employee’s standing of high regard in the eyes of peers and colleagues, and anticipates the continuation of the employee’s academic contributions to KPU past retirement.
Sabine Stratton
Professor Emerita
Tuesday, June 10 - Afternoon Ceremony
Sabine Stratton’s career at KPU began in 2004 as a full-time instructor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, just before the anthropologists split into their own department in 2006. For years, her name was synonymous with curriculum. From chairing the faculty-level curriculum committee to serving on a senate standing committee as the Faculty of Arts representative, Stratton was always thorough in her review of course outlines and programs. Between 2016 and 2019 she also served as the Chair of the Anthropology Department.
Stratton holds a bachelor of science with a specialization in zoology, a bachelor of arts with a specialization in anthropology and a master of arts in anthropology from the University of Alberta. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Stratton won the Millennium Prize from the Canadian Society of Forensic Science in 2000 and the Gerald Ferro Memorial Prize in Anthropology in 1987 and 2000, and the J. Gordin Kaplan Award in 1988.
Stratton has worked as a consultant for organizations such as the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Alberta, the RCMP on the Pickton serial killer case, Physicians for Human Rights, and the B.C. SPCA on the Whistler sled dog animal abuse case. She has also conducted research that benefits the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Dr. Paul Tyndall
Professor Emerita
Tuesday, June 10 - Afternoon Ceremony
Paul is a retired English instructor recognized for his two decades of service at KPU where he made significant contributions to teaching, scholarship and academic leadership.
Joining the university in 2003, Paul played a central role in the development of KPU’s Bachelor of Arts, Major in English program and led the department through its first comprehensive program review. He also served two terms as chair of the English Department, during which he helped establish foundational structures and practices that continue to shape the department today.
Beyond his leadership roles, Paul was deeply engaged in curriculum development and institutional governance, serving on key committees such as the Senate Standing Committee on Academic Planning and Priorities Committee and the Faculty of Arts Standing Committee on Curriculum. His dedication to student success was a hallmark of his career, as he frequently involved students in research projects, supported their academic publishing efforts, and mentored many toward graduate studies.
An accomplished scholar, Paul has presented his work at national and international conferences and published on literature, film, and popular culture in various academic journals. He continues to serve on the advisory board of Mise-en-Scene: The Journal of Film and Visual Narration, a scholarly publication based at KPU.
Paul remains active in the academic community through ongoing research and his role on the advisory board for TALK (Third Age Learning at Kwantlen). His current book project explores Shakespearean influences in contemporary television drama.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The purpose of these awards is to recognize KPU Alumni who have enhanced the reputation of the university through their outstanding career, public service, community service, athletic, arts and culture, or academic achievements.
Colleen Spier
Associate of Arts, Psychology (2002)
Wednesday, June 11 - Morning Ceremony
Colleen is a Métis-Cree lawyer and mediator who has been a leader in transforming the justice system for Indigenous Peoples in B.C.
Colleen is the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Indigenous Justice Secretariat within the Ministry of the Attorney General. Working in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, Colleen and her team are responsible for developing and implementing justice strategies to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples involved in, and negatively impacted by, the criminal and child welfare systems.
Colleen’s academic journey began at KPU as a single mother with a Grade 9 education. After earning her Grade 12 Dogwood Diploma through KPU’s Adult Basic Education program, she enrolled in the Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology program, graduating in 2002 with a President’s Outstanding Graduate Award. During her time at KPU, Colleen served as a student representative on the university’s Indigenous Advisory Committee.
Driven by a passion for advocacy, Colleen went on to pursue a law degree and was called to the Bar in 2008. In 2010, she opened her own law firm, Spier & Company Law, and in 2011, she became one of the first Indigenous Child Protection mediators in the province, earning the Susanna Jani Award for excellence in mediation in 2022. In 2023 she received a King’s Counsel designation.
In 2025, Colleen was awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal for her dedication and impact in reconciliation and justice transformation.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes KPU alumni under the age of 30 who have demonstrated sustained levels of community service while making a significant or innovative impact in their chosen profession. Recipients lead with purpose and have maintained involvement with KPU or alumni activities since graduation.
Manvir Deol
Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing Management (2018)
Wednesday, June 11 - Afternoon Ceremony
Manvir is an entrepreneur with a passion for innovation. Since graduating from KPU’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management program in 2018, Manvir has founded two successful and growing businesses.
One of the businesses is Plan Your Space, an architectural showroom that helps homeowners gain a clear vision of their ideal floorplan before starting construction. Just three years since its launch, Plan Your Space has completed over 350 floor plans with portfolios including single family homes, restaurants, medical clinics and financial institutions such as Vancity.
Drawing on his bachelor’s degree and marketing background, Manvir also founded a marketing agency in 2014 called CLIQMedia, which has collaborated with developers across Canada and is responsible for all of the marketing done at Plan Your Space.
Manvir’s success at a young age earned him a spot on the BCBusiness magazine’s 30 under 30 list, which celebrates young leaders who are innovating in their industries and finding new ways to create change.
Manvir’s connection to KPU has remained strong since his graduation. He is currently employing and mentoring a KPU student intern, and strives to continue to find ways to provide students with opportunities to grow, learn and eventually lead.
Alumni Excellence Award
The Alumni Excellence Award recognizes specific accomplishments of KPU alumni, including major awards, national or international honours, major championships, appointment to high office, and so on.
Melody Hong Yan Pan
Bachelor of Science, Nursing (2008)
Friday, June 13 - Morning Ceremony
Melody is a distinguished alumna of Kwantlen Polytechnic University whose career reflects an unwavering commitment to service, leadership and inclusion. With over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, Melody has played a pivotal role in B.C.’s health care system.
Her expertise as a clinician is matched by her dedication to mentoring and empowering the next generation of nurses, particularly those from diverse and internationally educated backgrounds. Currently pursuing doctoral studies in organizational leadership in health administration, she aims to influence global health outcomes through inclusive, evidence-based practices.
Melody also serves as a Canadian Royal Navy Reservist, where she has become a respected advocate for diversity and morale within the ranks. Her efforts to support and retain women, visible minorities and sailors with disabilities have significantly contributed to fostering a more inclusive and supportive naval culture. In recognition of her outstanding service to Canada, she was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.
Beyond her professional roles, Melody is deeply involved in community initiatives. She has participated in reconciliation-focused programs and regularly volunteers to support local communities and underrepresented groups. A passionate mentor and advocate for equity, she uplifts others through her actions and leadership.
Melody exemplifies the values of KPU, and her achievements across health care, military service and community engagement make her a true inspiration and a deserving recipient of the KPU Alumni Excellence Award.