2010 Medal Winners, Valedictorians, and Honorary Degrees

VALEDICTORIAN - Ceremony A
Alixandra Jean Stupich – Valedictorian

Alix attended Cedar Secondary School in Nanaimo where she was awarded BC Female Athlete of the Year, and received a Governor General Medal for top academic achievement. After graduating, Alix came to Thompson Rivers University to play basketball, and for three years was an Academic All Canadian. In her second year of university, Alix was awarded the Fairfax Financial Holdings scholarship for academic standards and extracurricular activities. After completing two years of Arts courses, the premise of social work and helping people motivated Alix to complete a degree in Social Work. She has been an outstanding academic student, an excellent writer, researcher, critical thinker, and participatory learner. She is a member of the Social Work Student Club, and the school’s International Committee. In May 2009, Alix participated in a Developing World Connections student trip to build a school in Peru. Alix has two years’ eligibility as a varsity athlete, and is returning to Vancouver Island to play basketball while taking courses that will augment her degree and future career aspirations. She is interested in working internationally in the field of social work.

VALEDICTORIAN - Ceremony B
Kimberly Anne Campbell – Valedictorian

Kimberly is from Hope, BC, and attended Hope Secondary School where she received the Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal for the highest GPA in her graduating class. Upon entering TRU she received the Ambassador’s Entrance Scholarship. For four years, Kimberly was a member of the Peer Support team, providing the confi dential space for students to talk to trained student volunteers. In 2009–2010, she was the President of the TRUSU History Club, and was also the director of promotions for the 2010 TRU Northwestern Undergraduate Conference: Philosophy, History, and Politics. She has also been involved in the TRU Student Leadership program for four years, and this year she received the Neil Russell Award for Student Leadership. Kimberly is thankful for the opportunities to participate in campus life and interact with many students, faculty and administration at TRU. After graduating, Kimberly is furthering her studies by entering the secondary education program at either the University of British Columbia or University of Victoria.

VALEDICTORIAN - Ceremony C
Kate Allard – Valedictorian

Kate Allard graduated from Haney Pitt Meadows Christian School in 2002. After graduating Kate went to Bible school for six months before becoming a nanny for a Kamloops couple who she accompanied as they travelled across North America. After caring for a child who was hospitalized at BC Children’s Hospital, Kate was inspired to pursue nursing as a career. Kate’s mother is also a nurse which also played a role in Kate’s decision. She was accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2006, and has maintained excellent grades while participating in an international fi eld school with her cohort in Samoa, followed by a Study Abroad semester at the University of Stavanger in Norway. Kate believes her faculty at TRU have enriched her learning experience and prepared her well with the education necessary for her career in Nursing. She also feels honoured to have spent four years with the students in her cohort. Kate has begun her career at Shuswap Lake General Hospital in a medical-surgical position, which is providing her with a solid foundation for professional growth.

VALEDICTORIAN - Ceremony D
Megan Lepp - Valedictorian

Megan Lepp graduated from Mount Boucherie Secondary School in West Kelowna in 2005. She came to TRU after listening to a presentation at her high school by a TRU Co-operative Education student recruiter. In her second year Megan also took a co-op work term to become a student recruiter. She would definitely recommend co-operative education as a form of experiential learning as it has opened her eyes to numerous future career choices. Megan participated in TRU’s Study Abroad program by spending five months in a global business program at Austria’s FH Joanneum University. Megan has an excellent academic record and has participated in campus life as Vice-President Marketing for Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). Megan credits her student success to the guidance and support provided by the many wonderful people she met during her co-op work terms and SIFE experiences. Now that Megan has graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration she is pursuing a career in marketing and communications as well as entrepreneurial ventures.

VALEDICTORIAN - Fall Convocation
Bradly French - Valedictorian

Brad French was born and raised in Kamloops. After graduating from Kamloops Senior Secondary in 1997, he entered the Bachelor of Arts program at what was then the University College of the Cariboo. In 2002, Brad completed his BA with a major in English and minor in Sociology. While taking a four-year hiatus from academia, Brad stayed involved with Thompson Rivers University, contracting his services to a research project in the Sociology department studying access to post-secondary education in British Columbia. During the four years after receiving his BA, Brad’s wife entered the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at TRU. Watching his wife’s progression through the nursing program, Brad also developed a passion for what nurses do and have the potential to achieve. Subsequently, Brad entered the BSN program at TRU, which he completed this August. During his studies, Brad completed two practicums in Lillooet District Hospital, working in the emergency department and the acute fl oor. He was also hired as an Employed Student Nurse, working in Lillooet and then in the emergency department at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH). Highlights of the BSN program for Brad were working with two of his classmates developing a framework for evaluating Acute Care Attendants at RIH, developing curriculum for the Ambulatory Psychiatric Services at RIH, and receiving the Canadian Institute of Health Research award, where he was able to work as a research assistant to Marion Healey-Ogden on her hermeneutic phenomenological research project looking at nurses’ experiences of well-being in the clinical setting. Brad was also involved in the Nursing Undergraduate Society, College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia student representative program, and two nursing dean selection committees. Since fi nishing his last class in August, Brad has been hired on the medical fl oor at RIH. Future plans for Brad include finishing his Acute Critical Care Nursing in Emergency certificate from Mount Royal University this winter, gaining employment in an emergency department, starting his Masters in Nursing in 2011, and eventually becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Brad would like to thank his wife, family and friends, and the TRU nursing faculty and classmates for all their support, guidance, and understanding.

HONORARY DEGREE
Claude Richmond

Claude Richmond is receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree as recognition for over 20 years of steadfast public service to Kamloops, the Kamloops-Thompson region and to the Province of British Columbia. Now retired from the legislature, Mr. Richmond was instrumental in increasing employment and accessibility for persons with disabilities in British Columbia, changing BC’s Adoption Act, and introducing the Super Host program. As Minister of Tourism and Expo 86, he tirelessly promoted the province for an event that hosted some 22 million people. Locally his economic development initiatives have included ensuring the BC Lottery Corporation’s headquarters, Moly-cop and Pollard Banknote were located in Kamloops. Mr. Richmond never wavered in his support for Thompson Rivers University, including its quest for full university status that was granted in 2005.

BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (ELEMENTARY) DEGREE
Jenny Lyn Cathleen Dahl

This medal is awarded to the eligible graduating student in this program who achieved the highest grade point average over the assessment period. Jenny graduated from Peter Skene Ogden in 100 Mile House and won a scholarship for English literature. At Thompson Rivers University, she has received many awards, including the Kamloops Women’s Association Bursary, Retired Teachers’ Bursary, and the English and Modern Languages English Award. Jenny is considering further studies in linguistics and special education. She enjoys the outdoors, and plays the piano and violin.

BACHELOR OF TOURISM MANAGEMENT DEGREE
Andreas Christofiloyiannis

This medal is awarded to the eligible graduating student in this program who achieved the highest grade point average over the assessment period. Andreas graduated from Ernest Manning High School in Calgary, and completed a diploma program in Alberta before moving to Kamloops to complete his Bachelor of Tourism Management. Andreas has received a number of awards, including the Tourism Sun Peaks Winter Prize, Delta Hotels Hospitality Scholarship, and the Louise McKinley Scholarship. Andreas is passionate about physical fi tness and cooking, and enjoys exploring new places. Within the next fi ve years, Andreas plans to complete a graduate degree at the University of Calgary, and hopes one day to become a post-secondary instructor.

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK DEGREE
Ashley Jean Arnelien Halden

This medal is awarded to the eligible graduating student in this program who achieved the highest grade point average over the assessment period. Ashley graduated from Argyle Secondary School in North Vancouver where she was on the Honour Roll from grades 9 to 12, and received an award for more than 100 hours of community service. Ashley was awarded a TRU Entrance Scholarship and the North Shore News Scholarship (from a North Vancouver newspaper), along with other scholarships during her fi rst two years at TRU. She completed a diploma in Child and Youth Care, and laddered into the Bachelor of Social Work program. She was an active member of the Peer Support Team during her third and fourth years, and completed practicum placements at Cariboo Child Care, Interior Community Services, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development in Squamish. Ashley is currently working in a remote camp for a hydro-electric project in the Toba Valley, 250 kilometres north of Powell River. She intends to pursue further education and a position in the area of child welfare.

MEDAL IN GENERAL STUDIES
Joseph Isaac

This medal is awarded to the eligible graduating student in this program who achieved the highest grade point average over the assessment period. Joseph graduated from Victoria High School in Victoria, BC, in 2001, and his pastimes include political activism, cooking, organic gardening, reading, writing, squash, tennis and soccer. Joseph describes himself as an entrepreneur with a successful painting company. He has been accepted into the University of Liverpool’s MBA program in the Fall of 2010.

MEDAL IN JOURNALISM
Kendall Meghan Lyn Walters

This medal is awarded to the eligible graduating student in this program who achieved the highest grade point average over the assessment period. Kendall Walters graduated from Peter Skene Ogden Secondary, 100 Mile House, in 2006. Last fall she won the B.C. Yukon Community Newspaper Association scholarship, and this year she was nominated for the Alvin and Lydia Grunert Scholarship. An eloquent writer and avid photographer, she has had the opportunity to work at several different newspapers since she began attending TRU. She is excited to pursue a Master of Journalism degree at the University of British Columbia this fall. He is a passionate outdoor person, enjoying golfing, hiking, and biking.

HONORARY DEGREE
Richard Wagamese

Richard Wagamese is receiving an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree to recognize his distinguished, award-winning career as an author. Without the benefi t of a formal education beyond grade 9, he is the only Aboriginal Canadian to be honoured with the National Newspaper Award for Column Writing. He has published fi ve novels and two memoirs. His work contributes to non-native people’s understanding of the experiences of native people from both an historical and contemporary standpoint. Mr. Wagamese has contributed to the re-establishment of native teachings by using traditional storytelling methods in all aspects of his career that has included radio, television and newspapers, ensuring oral literature is alive and vibrant. He is a mentor and role model for both Aboriginal and non-native people alike and has volunteered at friendship centres, high schools and numerous universities, including TRU, promoting culture, identity and writing.

MEDAL IN ARTS
Alysa Grace McCall (Honours) (Co-op)

This medal is awarded to the eligible graduating student in this program who achieved the highest grade point average over the assessment period. Alysa graduated from South Kamloops Secondary School in 2005 with several scholarships, one of which was a TRU Entrance Scholarship. Alysa’s major is Animal Biology and she completed an Honours degree as well as Co-operative Education terms. Alysa credits the Co-op program with fi nding jobs in her field and peaking her interest in research. Alysa received a Canadian University Enhancement Fund award and two Undergraduate Student Research Awards from NSERC to research various aspects of grassland animal ecology over the past three years. Since then, Alysa received a graduate-level Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council award to complete an MSc in Ecology next year at the University of Alberta where she will study polar bears. In the future she plans to be engaged in the fi eld of wildlife biology with a focus on conservation. Alysa credits her success at TRU largely to the incredible support and guidance of the amazing faculty, as well as the endless opportunities for hands-on learning.

MEDAL IN NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCE
Kimberly Theresa May Perreault (Honours)

This medal is awarded to the eligible graduating student in this program who achieved the highest grade point average over the assessment period. Kim graduated from Kamloops Secondary School in 2001. After teaching English in Japan for one year, Kim decided to study at Thompson Rivers University. She tried a variety of courses and found her niche in Natural Resource Science where she has learned much about species and ecosystems. Kim has been a member of the Geology Club and Natural Resource Sciences Club, and was an NRS work study student for one year. Dr. Karl Larsen hired Kim as a research student, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and she is grateful that he provided her with exciting research opportunities in the isopod lab for two summers. She has also undertaken some consulting projects, and she is considering graduate studies. Kim wishes to extend her appreciation to the amazing team in the NRS department, and admires the passion and dedication of her fellow students and professors.

MEDAL IN HEALTH SCIENCE
Brenda Matsen

This medal is awarded to the eligible graduating student in this program who achieved the highest grade point average over the assessment period. Brenda graduated from Correlieu Secondary School in Quesnel, and subsequently completed a diploma in Dental Hygiene. She has worked in private dental offices and community dental health programs, and was a program manager in the Northern Interior Health Service Delivery Area. After obtaining the TRU Bachelor of Health Science in 2009, Brenda became Northern Health’s Regional Manager for Dental Health Programs. She plays an active role in the lives of her four sons, and intends to pursue graduate studies.

HONORARY DEGREE
Elspeth M. McDougall

Elspeth M. McDougall, MD, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree recognizing her outstanding achievements in the field of medicine, most notably her work to develop new techniques in laparoscopic renal surgery. A faculty member at the Department of Urology at University of California, Irvine, she has continued her clinical and research work in minimally invasive urologic surgery, and assisted in the development of a minimally invasive surgery education centre. She is internationally recognized for her laboratory and clinical research in urologic laparoscopic surgery and for teaching courses on fundamental and advanced endourological and laparoscopic techniques. A graduate of Kamloops Secondary School in 1972, Dr. McDougall completed her first year of sciences at Cariboo College before going on to the universities of Alberta and Ontario. Although she was recently chosen one of the top ten American physicians by her peers, Dr. McDougall considers herself a Kamloopsian at heart and plans to return to the Thompson Valley eventually.

GOVERNOR GENERAL’S ACADEMIC MEDAL (SILVER)
Samantha Nicole Keller

Samantha graduated from St. Ann’s Academy in 2005, and won an entrance scholarship to attend TRU. She entered the Bachelor of Science program, and decided to major in chemistry after her fi rst year. During her Co-operative Education work terms, she has been a Eureka science camp instructor, and a chemistry research assistant for two terms. Samantha’s faculty supervisor, Dr. Nelaine Mora-Diez, presented an opportunity for Samantha to continue her research in Spain, and Samantha subsequently applied for a TRU Study Abroad program. Not only was she accepted to study abroad, but she was awarded a BC Premier’s One World Scholarship to study in Spain for one year. Before she travelled to Spain, Samantha took introductory Spanish at TRU, and during her research term at the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid she studied Spanish in the afternoons to become fluent. Samantha has enjoyed the entire experience of attending TRU, the research mentorship of Dr. Diez and Dr. Kingsley Donkor, and many good times with friends she has met. Samantha is working as a TRU chemistry research assistant this summer, and has received an Alexander Graham Bell Scholarship, awarded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council to support her graduate studies in physical organic chemistry at the University of Calgary beginning this fall.

MEDAL IN NURSING
Jeanette Louise Hill

Jeanette has lived in Kamloops for 20 years, and worked as a Nurses Aid at Overlander Residential Care for ten years. She decided that she wanted to upgrade her skills and increase her knowledge of the nursing profession. Jeanette took upgrading courses for two years and entered the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2006. Jeanette’s practicum experience was at Royal Inland Hospital in the operating room. She is now in the process of being certifi ed as a perioperative nurse, and would like to stay in Kamloops and work in the RIH operating room. Jeanette enjoyed being a part of a cohesive group in the School of Nursing, and she credits her success to the support of her family, and the students and faculty in Nursing. In her spare time, Jeanette likes to hike and cycle throughout the Kamloops trail system.

HONORARY DEGREE
Ruth Williams

Ruth Williams is receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree as recognition for her 25 years of leadership in social and economic development for Aboriginal people in British Columbia. She has been a member of dozens of organizations and is currently the chief executive officer of the Kamloops-based All Nations Trust Company, a company with 200 Aboriginal shareholders including several First Nations communities, Metis and urban Aboriginal organizations. Since its inception in 1987, Ms. Williams has overseen the trust company’s shareholders equity increase from $339 thousand to more than $15 million. She has been a founding member of eight non-profit organizations that work to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal persons in the interior, including the Interior Indian Friendship Society, Kamloops Native Housing Society, and the Native Courtworkers and Counselling Association of BC. In addition Ms. Williams has been a member of School District 73 Aboriginal Education Council where she has worked to improve post-secondary education opportunities for First Nations students at Thompson Rivers University and beyond.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S ACADEMIC MEDAL (COLLEGIATE BRONZE)
Auzeb Manzoor

Auzeb attended high school in the city of Srinagar in Kashmir, India. He completed the Computer Systems Operations and Management program last year, and is now enrolled in TRU’s Bachelor of Computing Science program. Auzeb is currently working in Fort McMurray for Syncrude Canada on a Co-operative Education work term. He is a member of the TRU Muslim Students Association, and enjoys listening to music, playing soccer and hanging out with friends.

MEDAL IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Brant Mann Nicholas Shapka

This medal is awarded to the eligible graduating student in this program who achieved the highest grade point average over the assessment period. Brant graduated from NorKam Secondary School in 2005. In high school Brant had focused on biology thinking he would like to be a physician. However, he decided that he would enter TRU’s business program, in which he has successfully achieved the highest GPA for the past two years. Brant really enjoys all music, particularly blues and jazz, along with fi tness and sports, and reading philosophy. Now that he has graduated, Brant is considering law school or a post-graduate degree in philosophy.

PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Roger Barnsley

The honorary lifetime title of President Emeritus is bestowed following retirement of a president who has served Thompson Rivers University and the community at large beyond expections. During Roger Barnsley’s distinguished career, he has served as a mentor, leader and friend to countless students and colleagues. He has made leading contributions to his discipline, to a number of post-secondary institutions, and to the communities that he has lived in. Dr. Barnsley has served as a university professor and administrator in six provinces, and still has a strong connection to the Kootenay community of Trail where he graduated from J.L. Crowe Secondary School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology from the University of Victoria, and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from McGill University. He was named a Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association in 1984 in recognition of his contributions to the fi eld of Psychology. As TRU’s President and Vice-Chancellor for the past 11 years, Dr. Barnsley has led the institution’s transformation from a university-college to becoming the province’s fourth largest university. As the founding President and Vice-Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University, his administration has overseen an ambitious construction program to accommodate the growing number of students, faculty and staff. Today, TRU offers 200 certifi cate, diploma and degree options, including graduate degrees and research opportunities, to more than 20,000 students. Dr. Barnsley is the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award in 2002 for his contribution to post-secondary education, holds an Honorary Doctor of Education from St. John’s University in Bangkok, Thailand, was presented with the City of Kamloops Pioneer Spirit Award, and received the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce President’s Award.

Honourable Madam Justice Daphne Smith

The Honourable Madam Justice Daphne Smith’s distinguished career and strong connection to Kamloops began in 1975 when she articled at a firm that is now known as Mair Jensen Blair. The central focus of Justice Smith’s legal practice was family law and civil litigation. She volunteered her legal skills on the boards of several not-for-profi t organizations – Kamloops Regional Law Centre, Elizabeth Fry Society, Kamloops Youth Resources Society, Kamloops Infant Development Society, and the working committee to establish the Kamloops Women’s Shelter. During this period she and her husband began their family and are the proud parents of three grown children. In 1993, Justice Smith received the Queen’s Counsel designation to recognize her exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession. She subsequently accepted an appointment to the British Columbia Supreme Court at New Westminster in 1996. Justice Smith was appointed to the British Columbia Court of Appeal on May 22, 2008, and is now one of 15 full-time judges sitting in the highest court of the province. Thompson Rivers University is pleased to confer the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, to recognize Madam Justice Daphne Smith as a leader and educator in the legal profession.