Vancouver Campus Celebrates Its 24th Commencement Ceremony
On October 25, family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at The University of British Columbia to celebrate 鈥檚 Class of 2024.
Nearly 300 students attended the ceremony. Executive Director and Campus Dean Irene Young, Ed.D., welcomed the graduates and guests.
鈥淎s you prepare to step out into a world filled with challenges and opportunities, I want to remind you of our university鈥檚 motto: 鈥楻einvent the Future.鈥� Those three words carry a powerful message, and they couldn鈥檛 be more relevant to you today,鈥� Young said. 鈥淵ou are not just stepping into the future; you are shaping it. You are the doers, the makers, the innovators who will take the skills and knowledge you鈥檝e gained here and make the world a better place.鈥�
懂色帝-Vancouver faculty with President Hank Foley and Executive Director and Campus Dean Irene Young.
President Henry C. Foley, Ph.D., who was in attendance, offered these remarks to the graduates: 鈥湺垅�檚 reputation will be measured in large part by what you will do with the degree you have earned. Our future and your own future are intertwined. Your legacy is our legacy. Your experiences here will help guide others, and I call on you to reach a hand back to those who follow you. This is how we can continue to reinvent the future together.鈥�
In attendance from the New York campuses were Associate Provost for Student Engagement and Development Tiffani Hinds, M.Ed.; Director of Student Engagement and Development, Administration and Operations Joanne West, M.S.; and Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences Babak D. Beheshti, Ph.D.
Student speaker Shreya Kazania (M.B.A. 鈥�24) began her address by reflecting on the years she and her fellow graduates spent at 懂色帝. 鈥淭ogether, we鈥檝e navigated the ups and downs of academic life, and as we prepare to scatter across the globe, let鈥檚 celebrate the bonds we鈥檝e forged. These connections, formed through shared hardships and joys, will be the foundation for our futures,鈥� she said.
鈥淎s we embrace the journey ahead, cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning,鈥� she continued. 鈥淭he world is ever evolving, and adaptability will be your greatest asset. Seek out new experiences, engage with diverse perspectives, and push the boundaries of your understanding. Each experience is a building block in your personal and professional growth, enriching your journey.鈥�
Student speaker Shreya Kazania addresses her fellow graduates.
Alumni Honored
On October 24, alumni gathered for the third annual Vancouver Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner at the Italian Culture Centre, where Rohit Agarwal (M.B.A. 鈥�19) and Ali Parekh (MEM 鈥�23) were honored with achievement awards.
The Alumni Awards Dinner was established to recognize the professional achievements and community service of the alumni of the Vancouver campus.
Rohit Agrawal
Rohit Agrawal was the recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award. As senior distribution centre supervisor at Aritzia Agarwal has led major inventory projects for the clothing chain across North American distribution centers, including the development of a new $84 million warehouse in Toronto. By applying Six Sigma techniques (a set of tools used to improve business processes), Agarwal helped Aritzia save $2 million through successful project execution and team development. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Agarwal volunteers with Vancouver Coastal Health鈥檚 children鈥檚 immunization program, reflecting his commitment to both the industry he works in and his community.
Ali Parekh
Ali Parekh was honored with the Alumni Service Award. Parekh is a business energy advisor at GreenStep Solutions, where he conducts energy assessments for small- and medium-sized businesses. Parekh gives back to his alma mater by mentoring 懂色帝 graduates in certifications, industry trends, and job preparation. Parekh鈥檚 commitment to the 懂色帝 community has led to two graduates being hired at his company. His active involvement with energy management alumni, professors, and various alumni groups strengthens the professional network and creates opportunities for future graduates in the energy industry.
Alexandria Smith, 懂色帝-Vancouver alumni coordinator, contributed to this story.
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