Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal
On behalf of the Governor General of Canada, this medal is awarded to a KPU student who, in the opinion of the selection committee, has attained the highest academic standing in the graduation year of a bachelor’s degree program. It is one of the highest academic honours KPU can bestow.
Jackson Kereliuk
Bachelor of Science, Major in Health Science
Wednesday, June 10 - Afternoon Ceremony
Jackson achieved the highest academic standing this year in a bachelor’s degree program at KPU. In recognition of this exceptional accomplishment, he has been awarded the prestigious Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal, as well as the Dean’s Medal for the Faculty of Science.
For nearly 150 years, the Governor General’s Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada, recognizing the start of a life of accomplishment. At KPU, Jackson achieved an extraordinary GPA of 4.25 while balancing the demands of full-time studies and fulltime work — an achievement that speaks to both his discipline and resilience. Highly regarded by his instructors, he distinguished himself not only in the classroom but also through his involvement in applied research at the Applied Genomics Centre at KPU, contributing to innovative scientific work. Jackson is known as a supportive and engaged peer, as well as a strong ambassador for the university community.
Drawn to health sciences from an early age, Jackson approached his academic studies in hopes of pursuing a career in the health-care field, with particular career interest in physiotherapy and health-based research. His consistent placement on the Dean’s Honour Roll and receiving additional scholarships further reflect his sustained academic excellence.
Outside the classroom, Jackson enjoys spending time outdoors through activities such as hiking, skiing and camping. His achievements represent years of dedication and signal a promising future in the health sciences.
Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal
On behalf of the Governor General of Canada, this medal is awarded annually to a KPU student who, in the opinion of the selection committee, has attained the highest academic standing in the graduation year of a two-year diploma program. It is one of the highest academic honours KPU can bestow.
David Cragg
Diploma in Horticulture Technology
Wednesday, June 10 - Afternoon Ceremony
David has graduated from KPU with a Diploma in Horticulture Technology, specializing in Landscape Horticulture Systems, achieving an outstanding academic record that has earned him recognition for high academic standing. Since beginning his studies in fall 2021, David has demonstrated a strong commitment to learning, consistently producing high-quality work and engaging deeply with his coursework.
Motivated by a desire to advance his career in landscape gardening, David pursued his studies with focus and determination, building a broad foundation of horticultural knowledge while discovering new academic interests along the way. His passion for the field is evident in both his academic success and his long-term goal of becoming a landscape designer.
David’s journey to this achievement has been marked by perseverance. Overcoming significant personal challenges, he has worked steadily to rebuild stability in his life while pursuing his education. His dedication to personal growth and academic excellence reflects both resilience and a strong work ethic.
Beyond academics, David is known for his positive spirit and willingness to support others, both in and out of the classroom. Grateful for the support of his instructors and community, he views this award as a meaningful recognition of his efforts and a milestone in his continued pursuit of a fulfilling career in horticulture.
Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation
On behalf of the Lieutenant Governor of BC, this medal is awarded to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding contributions in support of inclusion, democracy and/or reconciliation on campus or in their communities. The recipient may be from any program at KPU, and will be nominated by faculty.
Destiny Lang
Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology
Wednesday, June 10 - Morning Ceremony
Destiny has demonstrated exceptional and sustained leadership in advancing equity, inclusion and student well-being. Their contributions rise beyond participation — they have accelerated structural and cultural change that has improved the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ students across KPU.
A passionate and strategic student leader, Destiny played a central role in initiatives that improved campus inclusivity, including advocating for gender-affirming health-care coverage in the student health plan and supporting accessible, affirming spaces such as inclusive washroom signage and Pride visibility projects. Their leadership was instrumental in establishing the KPU Pride Society and creating a dedicated Pride Centre at KPU Surrey, fostering connection, safety and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
Beyond advocacy, Destiny’s research has amplified voices often unheard. As a research assistant, they examined queer and trans students’ experiences of housing, food and financial insecurity, translating findings into presentations and policy recommendations that informed institutional decision-making. Their work reflects a deep commitment to addressing systemic barriers.
Rooted in lived experience, Destiny approaches leadership with empathy, collaboration and courage. Whether through community outreach, student governance, or design innovation that addresses inequities in skilled trades, they walk the talk on inclusion and care. Destiny’s contributions have left a transformative impact, strengthening the KPU campus community and inspiring a more just and compassionate future.
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 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
Jaydene Van Eaton
Bachelor of Arts, Major in English
Thursday, June 11 - Afternoon Ceremony
Graduating with an outstanding academic record, Jaydene has distinguished herself as a highly accomplished student, earning top grades across multiple upper-level courses and producing work of a calibre often seen at the graduate level. This exceptional academic achievement, alongside her deep and lasting contribution to the KPU community, has earned Jaydene a President’s Outstanding Graduate Award.
Jaydene’s passion for literature and storytelling shaped both her academic and community pursuits. A published undergraduate scholar with multiple journal articles, she also contributed to faculty research, co-authoring work in children’s literature and advancing scholarly conversations within her field. Her writing has been widely recognized through numerous awards, including multiple Intersectional Social Justice Essay Awards.
Beyond the classroom, Jaydene enriched the university through mentorship, collaboration and leadership. She actively supported classmates, contributed to departmental initiatives, and played a role in projects that connected KPU with broader communities, including research, archives and public-facing events. Her commitment to community engagement extended further through volunteer work focused on youth programming, environmental initiatives and rural community development.
Resilient in the face of personal challenges, Jaydene’s perseverance, intellectual curiosity and generosity embody the spirit of this award. She leaves KPU as a role model and emerging leader, poised to make meaningful contributions through education, storytelling and community service.
Diploma Program
Enjela Flor Dugay Oliva
Diploma in Horticulture Technology
Wednesday, June 10 - Afternoon Ceremony
A graduate of the Diploma in Horticulture Technology program, Ejay demonstrated strong dedication to his field of study while contributing meaningfully to both KPU and the wider community.
An international student from the Philippines, Ejay holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Science in Environmental Science from the University of the Philippines. His strong passion for agriculture, horticulture, and greenhouse production systems was evident through his outstanding academic accomplishments and work ethic. Within the classroom, Ejay was known to go the extra mile and often supported fellow students in various course activities and group assignments.
Ejay’s impact has been felt both at KPU and within the wider community. He volunteered at KPU events such as the Annual Plant Sale and Science Rendezvous and served as an Orientation Leader, helping new students transition into university life. Beyond KPU, he continues to volunteer with the Vancouver Botanical Garden Association at Bloedel Conservatory, where he supports visitor engagement and helps promote appreciation for plant diversity, conservation, and public education. He also served as an in-school mentor with Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver, where he provided guidance, support, and encouragement to young students.
Going forward, Ejay plans to pursue a PhD to further develop his expertise and research capabilities, with the goal of eventually becoming a professor in agriculture and plant science. By combining academic knowledge with hands-on industry experience, he hopes to effectively teach and mentor future students while contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.
George C. Wootton Award
KPU’s Board of Governors established this award to recognize outstanding dedication, service and contribution to the university system. This award considers a student’s contribution to the community, KPU or voluntary activities as well as academic success.
Sheena Dela Torre
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Human Resources Management
Tuesday, June 9 - Afternoon Ceremony
Sheena has been an exceptional student at KPU — achieving academic success, demonstrating student leadership and making a significant impact on her wider community.
Graduating with an outstanding GPA of 4.22, Sheena successfully balanced rigorous studies with various extracurricular and volunteer pursuits, all while maintaining a meaningful work-life balance.
Throughout her time at KPU, Sheena demonstrated professionalism, initiative and a deep dedication to student outreach and engagement. She served as a KPU Student Senator, an Orientation Leader, a mentor with KPU’s Melville School of Business and a Student Ambassador with KPU’s Academic Integrity Unit. In these roles, she fostered inclusive spaces and supported students navigating new academic and cultural environments.
She also founded the KPU Pinoy Club and served as Vice-President of the Kwantlen Human Resources Association, where she supported student engagement, professional development initiatives and peer learning.
Beyond KPU, Sheena served as the HR & Legal Chair of the Mabuhay House Society and as Program Co-Director for the Pinoy Festival and Salamat Gala, where she helped organize large-scale cultural events that celebrate Filipino identity and bring the community together.
Drawing on over a decade of operational leadership experience, Sheena aspires to become a strategic human resources leader who can help organizations build resilient and people-centered cultures while driving sustainable business results.
Dean's Medal
The Dean’s Medal is awarded to the KPU student customarily achieving the highest GPA in a Faculty. The Dean’s Medal recipient has demonstrated academic excellence, and has contributed in some way to community service, support of other students and the learning environment, or has made significant contributions to their field of study. The Dean’s Medal is awarded at each convocation ceremony to a recipient from each Faculty.
Faculty of Arts
Kinga Plucinska
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Anthropology
Thursday, June 11 - Afternoon Ceremony
As a student in the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology program, Kinga demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and dedication to her field. What drew her to the program was an interest in osteology and human history, specifically osteobiographies, which is a reconstruction of an individual’s life, health and experience based on the analysis of their skeletal remains.
During her time at KPU, Kinga actively supported student learning through lab work and independently-led forensic anthropology tutorials, where she provided thoughtful mentorship and guidance to her peers. In recognition of her contributions to the anthropology department and its student community, Kinga was a recipient of the 2025 Culture, Community and Well-Being Award at KPU.
With a passion for bioarchaeology, Kinga participated in a bioarchaeology field school held in Europe and contributed to the management of KPU’s bioarchaeology collection. Beyond the classroom, she has been an engaged member of the Kwantlen Anthropology Student Association and was a dedicated community volunteer with OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in Delta, B.C.
Following her graduation, Kinga plans to continue her education at Simon Fraser University, where she has been accepted into a Master of Arts in Archaeology program. Kinga aspires to eventually work as a forensic anthropologist or archaeologist.
Melville School of Business
Ha Thanh Bui Le
Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership
Tuesday, June 9 - Morning Ceremony
As a student in the Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership program, no task or assignment was ever too daunting for Ha. Known to consistently exceed expectations in her courses, Ha approached all of her work with precision, creativity and a commitment to excellence.
Over her four years at KPU, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, advanced problem-solving abilities and strong research skills. A thoughtful and capable advocate for justice, as well as a highly organized and driven planner, Ha embodies the values of the entrepreneurial leadership program and has represented the Melville School of Business with integrity and purpose.
Ha was also a key contributor on an open pedagogy project for one of her entrepreneurial leadership courses, in which she conducted meaningful research on global issues affecting Vietnamese women and girls. Her work was grounded in a genuine commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality, reflecting both her global awareness and her dedication to social impact.
Beyond the classroom, Ha enjoys reading books, participating in volunteer activities within her community and spending time learning new skills in areas such as communication, critical thinking and leadership in order to develop herself personally and professionally.
Graduating with distinction, Ha plans to continue building a meaningful career in business, growing as a leader and contributing positively to her community.
Wilson School of Design
Alexandra Mercier
Diploma in Fashion Marketing
Wednesday, June 10 - Morning Ceremony
Alexandra graduates from the Fashion Marketing diploma program at the Wilson School of Design at KPU with a record of outstanding academic achievement and meaningful community engagement. Throughout her studies, she consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, producing work that reflects both creativity and a deep understanding of marketing strategy and brand development. Her disciplined approach and passion for learning have distinguished her as a top-performing student within her cohort.
Beyond her academic success, Alexandra has made significant contributions to the KPU community. As an elected class representative, she served as a thoughtful and effective liaison between students and faculty, advocating for her peers while fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. She further demonstrated leadership through her role as a student learning assistant, mentoring first-year students by providing guidance on coursework, professional development and navigating the program. Her involvement in organizing orientation sessions and program events helped create a welcoming and inclusive experience for new students.
In addition to her work at KPU, Alexandra’s volunteer efforts across community organizations and industry settings reflect her commitment to service. Her leadership, generosity and dedication to supporting others exemplify the spirit of this award and position her as a promising emerging professional in the fashion industry.
Faculty of Health
Ashmeet Kaur
Certificate in Health Care Assistant
Wednesday, June 10 - Afternoon Ceremony
Ashmeet graduates from the Health Care Assistant program with a record of excellence that reflects both academic dedication and a deep commitment to community. Inspired by a desire to provide compassionate, person-centred care, she pursued her studies with focus and purpose, earning distinction while demonstrating resilience and adaptability throughout her journey.
A natural leader within her cohort, Ashmeet served as a student representative, advocating for her peers and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. She played an instrumental role in organizing student events that strengthened connection and engagement across the program. Known for her generosity and collaborative spirit, she led study sessions, encouraged teamwork and supported classmates in achieving their academic goals.
Beyond the classroom, Ashmeet actively connected with community partners to promote the health care assistant profession, reflecting professionalism and initiative in representing her field. Her efforts demonstrate a strong commitment not only to her own success but to the growth and advancement of those around her.
Ashmeet’s journey — from her early studies in India to her continued education in Canada — has shaped her into a compassionate and determined health-care professional. Her academic excellence, leadership and meaningful contributions to both her peers and community make her a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Faculty of Trades and Technology
Janica Joy Quizon
Citation in Construction Electrician
Thursday, June 11 - Morning Ceremony
Throughout her studies at KPU, Janica distinguished herself through her outstanding academic performance and personal resilience.
First enrolling at KPU in 2018 as an international student, Janica soon had to withdraw from her studies, but was determined to come back. After receiving her permanent residency in Canada a few years later, she stayed true to her promise and enrolled in the Citation in Construction Electrician program in 2025.
Over the course of her studies, Janica embraced every challenge that came her way, from the physical demands of trades work to tricky mathematical calculations. While the environment was very new to her at first, she enjoyed building on her skills and growing her confidence. Beyond her studies, Janica was also known for fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for her fellow classmates.
Janica was also a recipient of the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement at the Faculty of Trades and Technology at KPU. This award recognizes students who go above and beyond in three key areas: academics, attendance and attitude.
Outside of the classroom, Janica enjoys exploring nearby cities, spending time with her friends, connecting with her family in the Philippines, playing the guitar and reading.
For Janica, who is now graduating with a 4.33 GPA, this program is a step towards obtaining a skill of a lifetime. Going forward, she aspires to work as a skilled electrician who is able to assist and provide solutions to clients or customers.