GRADUATION AWARDS

Langara would like to recognize the following graduates for their outstanding academic achievements and commitment to community service.

STEPHANIE BURCHELL, CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION ASSISTANT LANGARA COLLEGE GRADUATE EXCELLENCE AWARD (CERTIFICATE)

Stephanie overcame cancer to bounce back and thrive in the Education Assistant Certificate Program. She has begun working at a local elementary school, and applies the skills she learned at Langara, supporting students with exceptionalities, their peers, and the wider school community. She is looking forward to seeing how her practice evolves with time and experience, and would like to thank her mother, Yolande, and her partner, Michael for their tireless kindness, patience, support, and love.

DECLAN BURKE, ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE IN HISTORY GOVERNOR GENERAL'S COLLEGIATE BRONZE MEDAL AND LANGARA COLLEGE GRADUATE EXCELLENCE AWARD (ARTS AND SCIENCE)

Declan is passionate about the field of history, and is excited and gratified to be receiving this award. He feels very strongly about the importance of academics and teaching, and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Education. Declan would like to thank each and every one of his Langara instructors, as well as the Accessibility Services team. He would also like to congratulate all of his fellow graduates on their accomplishments, and remind them to acknowledge the hurdles they have overcome to get this far, for their successes are all the greater for them.

JO YEE HO, DIPLOMA IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION LANGARA COLLEGE GRADUATE EXCELLENCE AWARD (CAREER)

Jo Yee turned an interest in childhood psychology into a career; after a psychology course sparked her interest, she was excited to apply to Langara’s Early Childhood Education Program. She is looking forward to launching her career in the field, and credits the open and supportive environment created by her instructors and classmates with helping her build confidence in her skills. She feels that this kind of openness and support is crucial for anyone to grow themselves as individuals. Jo Yee would like to thank her friends and classmates for helping her grow her success.

CHERI POTTINGER, ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S MEDAL FOR INCLUSION, DEMOCRACY, AND RECONCILIATION

Cheri is a determined advocate for inclusion, reconciliation, and marginalized members of our society. She has forged lasting relationships with her peers and instructors, and attributes her success to the support of her family. She is a dedicated volunteer with agencies providing safe spaces for self-identifying women. Cheri plans to continue supporting the wider community by pursuing social work as a career.

TAHIRA SYED, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PRESIDENT'S MEDAL FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Tahira is proud to be a graduate of Langara College. She hopes to enter a profession that will help fundamentally change people’s work lives. She feels very fortunate to have a large family and friend circle to draw encouragement from, and would like to congratulate the entire 2020 and 2021 grad classes for their achievements during such unprecedented circumstances. Tahira plans to pursue graduate studies in the field of social justice or social psychology.

ALANNA TIESZEN, BACHELOR OF RECREATION MANAGEMENT PRESIDENT'S MEDAL FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Alanna believes very strongly in the importance of education in and for her local community. She is inspired by the impact that she is able to have within her industry and within the wider community. She describes her education as “a journey” and encourages others to pursue their passions and embrace challenges. Alanna hopes to grow her career in recreation by supporting local retirement communities.

KEADON TOBIN, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PRESIDENT'S MEDAL FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Keadon feels honoured to receive this award after years of hard work and dedication. Since graduating, he has begun working, and tries to maintain an emphasis on holistic and empathetic care, while focusing on improving equality and equity in the communities he serves. He would like to thank his mother for her constant support and encouragement. Keadon plans to continue working as a nurse while he prepares to apply for medical school.

ADAM VAN BAARSEN, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING LANGARA COLLEGE GRADUATE EXCELLENCE AWARD (BACHELOR'S DEGREE)

Adam feels both humbled and grateful to have his work and scholarly commitment recognized. He has a great deal of passion and pride for his field, and loves knowing that his entire graduating class in nursing is going on to positively impact the lives of individuals and communities around the world. He credits his program for helping him develop career survival skills, such as assertiveness, communication, and critical thinking. Adam is looking forward to launching his career in nursing, with a possible master's degree in his future.