UFV welcomes community to campus to celebrate Convocation 2025

The University of the Fraser Valley welcomed the community to campus from June 10 to June 12 to celebrate Convocation over six ceremonies in its Athletic Centre.

A total of 3,152 students earned credentials to graduate from UFV this academic year, and 1,601 attended Convocation and crossed the stage. Almost 6,000 guests attended Convocation over the three days of ceremonies.

Convocation was extra special this year for Dr. Joanne MacLean, UFV President and Vice-Chancellor, as it was her last in that role. She will retire at the end of June.

As she reflected that she, like the graduates, is about to embark on a major life change, she encouraged the graduating classes to go out into the world with optimism and an open mind.

“I ask you to embrace change — do lots of different things and do them well. The university education that you have earned today is the foundation that enables you to solve problems, develop new skills, and adapt to new challenges. This is the journey ahead of you — not a straight line, but a winding road. Don’t be afraid to change directions. Don’t hesitate to take on something new, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. We need people who are willing to explore broadly, think creatively, and commit fully to whatever task is in front of them.

“I hope that you will consider that there is wisdom in knowing when to lead and strength in knowing when to follow, and I ask you to embrace both roles,” she continued. “We often celebrate leadership as the pinnacle of success, and rightly so; leaders inspire change, shape ideas, and drive progress. But the quieter truth is that great leaders are also great followers. They listen before they speak. They serve before they command. And they recognize that humility, collaboration, and discernment are not signs of weakness, but marks of maturity and strength.

“And finally, I ask you to keep learning. Your ability to learn relentlessly, to adapt positively and confidently, to be a Changemaker and not just someone to whom change happens will pave your future. In a world that is changing faster than ever, your most powerful tool will be your willingness to keep learning. So read widely. Stay curious. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and challenge them back. As a UFV graduate, you are not just someone who has learned, but someone who knows how to learn and loves learning.”

Chancellor Jo-ann Archibald welcomed friends and family to the university and celebrated the grads.

“Few days in our lives stand out with such clarity as today does. This is a day to truly remember. We are celebrating, together, the culmination of months and years of hard work, countless hours, stress, and even some tears converge into this remarkable achievement and celebration,” Archibald noted. “But it’s not just about the challenges and trials. Your UFV educational journey has been filled with learning, growth, newfound passions, and lifelong friendships. And joy. Yes, what a joy it is to learn and enrich our minds in a community of fellow scholars. Each of us has brought something unique to this shared experience, enriching it in countless ways.”

UFV’s top academic students were recognized with Governor General’s medals, which go to the student with the highest grade-point average. The Governor General’s Gold Medal, for top student in a graduate degree program, went to Eleanor Deacon, who graduated with a Master of Education degree. The Governor General’s Silver Medalist was Thea Bramer, who earned a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care degree. The Governor General’s Bronze Medal went to Jael Penner, who graduated with a Computer Information Systems diploma.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Medal is awarded to a student who has made outstanding contributions in support of inclusion, democracy, or reconciliation. This year’s recipient was Roxy Granikovas, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Seven students were selected as Dean’s medalists for outstanding academic achievement in their respective faculty. Dean’s medalists for 2025 were Debra Bartraw (Education, Community, and Human Development), Komal Dhaliwal (Health Sciences), Cameron Dykstra (Applied and Technical Studies), Hannah Lord (Humanities), Mayu Ochi (Social Sciences), Mason Paquette (Computing and Business), and Hannon Read (Science).

Six students represented their graduating class as speakers at the Convocation ceremonies: Victoria Francis, Elena Kasian (nee van Buschbach), Macey Michaud, Melissa Schayes, Lindsay Roufosse, and Shada Tawati.

UFV also recognized six leaders from a variety of backgrounds who have excelled in their field with honorary degrees at its Convocation ceremonies.

Indigenous leader Hi:olemtel Clarence (Kat) Pennier, Indigenous educator and former UFV Chancellor Shoyshqwelwhet Gwen Point, business leaders John Anderson, Susannah Pierce, and Gary Teichrob, and public health administrator Jane Buxton received honorary doctorates.

UFV also awarded a post-humous Bachelor of Arts degree to Dan Coulter, the former MLA for Chiilliwack, who passed away in December, 2024. Before becoming an MLA, Coulter had completed most of a political science major at the university.