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Johanne Brar graduates with a Bachelor of General Studies degree. She is a lifelong learner with a diploma and several certificates from TRU obtained alongside a professional career in administration, education and community development. A member of the Ulkatcho First Nation, a Dakelh community in Anahim Lake, BC, she combines her education, cultural knowledge and lived experience to make a meaningful impact in her community. Her work has included securing funding for community initiatives, providing support in wildfire emergencies and facilitating programs addressing social issues. Johanne is deeply committed to cultural knowledge, language revitalization and contributing to her community through education and leadership.

Brittenay Wolf graduates from the Education Assistant and Community Support certificate program. A Dean’s List student who maintained a 4.33 GPA throughout her studies, she became known among classmates as the “University Mom” for supporting peers with rides, supplies and last-minute presentation help. Brittenay completed her practicum with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Cariboo Chilcotin branch, supporting sexual assault crisis response, community outreach, and family and youth outreach programs. Her experiences at TRU strengthened her confidence in leadership and support roles. After graduation, Brittenay plans to continue her education in social work and support vulnerable communities.

Liam Taylor graduates from the Power Engineering Technology Certificate program. A strong student, he was selected as valedictorian in recognition of his academic performance and the support he offered classmates throughout the program. His experience at the School of Trades and Technology helped define his future goals and guide him toward success as a fourth class power engineer. After graduation, Liam plans to pursue a career in the industry and continue his education toward his third class certification, with the goal of expanding into an industrial electrical trade.

Presley Kitamura graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree. Her achievements include the Ken Lepin Award for Academic Achievement in Science, the Undergraduate Achievement Scholarship and eight placements on the Dean’s List. With a TRU grant, Presley conducted research on integrating AI into first-year biology, which she presented at the 2026 Teaching Practices Colloquium. She also supported peers as a supplemental learning leader and teaching assistant, served on the motionball TRU executive committee supporting Special Olympics Canada, and co-founded the Microbiology Outreach Foundation, a non-profit providing science education to local youth. After graduation, Presley plans to pursue a career in physiotherapy.

Dinuka Wijekoon graduates from the Human Resource Management Post-Baccalaureate Diploma program. A Dean’s List student, she served as president of the TRUSU HRM Club and volunteered at TRU’s Open House. Dinuka also volunteers as an advisory council member with CPHR BC and Yukon’s Central Interior branch and co-hosted a professional roundtable on diversity, equity, inclusion and reconciliation in local organizations. She credits TRU with helping her build friendships and grow professionally while adapting to life in a new country. After graduation, Dinuka hopes to support and encourage others building careers and communities in Canada.

Poornima Gunasekera graduates from the Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management program. Her research on cell phone recycling in Kamloops contributed to discussions on sustainable waste management and was featured on CBC Radio. Poornima won the TRU 3MT® Competition in 2025 and received the TRU Environmental Sustainability Achievement Award. She also served as student co-ordinator for the International Conscious Capitalism Simulation Tournament, led engagement for Map the System 2026 and worked as a graduate research assistant with the ISG Research Cluster. Poornima plans to continue community-focused sustainability research while pursuing a PhD

Kieran Gundel graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. A Dean’s List student, he developed strong clinical skills across high-acuity units at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH), including his final practicum on 7 North. He enriched his learning on a field school at Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal, contributing to community health initiatives, and received the TRU Global Competency Certificate recognizing his commitment to global citizenship and culturally responsive practice. Kieran also spent five summers with BC Wildfire Service supporting complex provincial operations. After graduation, he will begin his nursing career at RIH.

John Paul Vallente graduates from the Master of Education program. He published four articles with six more in review, presented his research in Japan, and was a research assistant for three faculty-led projects. He also served as a teaching assistant at the Student Success Centre and accommodation assistant with Accessibility Services. Volunteering with Indigenous communities, participating in the Kamloopa Powwow and contributing to the All My Relations Knowledge Makers Journal deepened his understanding of what decolonizing education truly means. Now working as a substitute teacher in the Northwest Territories, he plans to pursue doctoral studies in education.

Shahzad Yazdanpanah graduates from the Master of Education program. Her research focused on improving classroom accessibility through speech-to-text technology for hard-of-hearing and non-native English-speaking students. Shahzad contributed to student support and mentorship as a graduate research assistant, research mentor, TA and Writing Centre tutor, and participated in TRU’s teaching and learning conferences. She also served on the Faculty of Education and Social Work accessibility committee and received the Graduate Student Research Mentor Fellowship Award from the Office of Research and Graduate Studies. After graduation, Shahzad plans to work in accessibility services, student support and academic advising.

Justin Tarasoff graduates from the Bachelor of Tourism Management program. He received the Sun Peaks Tourism & Events Award in 2024 and the Peter R.B. Armstrong Award in 2025. Known as the “Rail Riot guy,” Justin founded and hosted the annual ski and snowboard event that transformed campus into a ski hill and attracted up to 1,500 spectators. What began as a classroom idea became a platform for creativity, connection and community-building. Justin now works with Tourism Kamloops and hopes to help shape the city into a place known for authentic experiences, strong community and lasting connections.

Monty Armstrong graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Their research focused on advocacy and lived experience, including work on queerphobic violence, neurodivergent students’ academic setbacks and climate change anxiety. Monty served as a senior student wellness ambassador, Writing Centre tutor and research intern with the Innovation for Social Good Research Cluster, while also volunteering with Foundry BC, Kamloops Pride and the TRUSU Pride Club. Their awards include the Magdalen Mak Award, the Undergraduate Academic Scholarship and eight placements on the Dean’s List. Monty plans to pursue a master’s degree in counselling psychology.

Deonte McCarthy graduates from the Juris Doctor program. He served as a teaching assistant for Professor Craig E. Jones and a research assistant for Dean Daleen Millard, focusing on legal education, research and mentorship. A defining challenge was competing in the Kawaskimhon National Aboriginal Moot, building his advocacy skills and understanding of Indigenous law issues. He also captained TRU Law’s HoopLaw team, which won BC’s top fundraising law school award for two consecutive years. Deonte received the TRU Law Future Black Lawyer Entrance Award and the LFBC Returning Student Award. After graduation, he will article at Lawson Lundell.

Gabriel Corbeil graduates from the Tourism Management program. During his first year at TRU, while pursuing his Adventure Guide Diploma, Gabriel studied at the Keilir Health Academy in Iceland, gaining unique, hands-on experience in a country known for its expansive landscape, natural wonders and rich history. A worthwhile endeavour, the diploma combined his love of the outdoors with his passion for sharing experiences with others. Gabriel applied this knowledge in the Tourism Management program, where he enjoyed meeting and learning from a community of like-minded students and instructors and gaining a better understanding of the relationship between tourism, culture and sustainability. He received the Hilton Bursary in Adventure, Culinary and Tourism and the Raymond and Marigold Patterson Award while in the Tourism Management program. Gabriel looks forward to furthering his studies at TRU as he pursues his Master of Science in Environmental Science.

Trish Urbanowski graduates from the first-year certificate program in Horticulture. Trish has gained a deep appreciation for the language surrounding plants, including their anatomy and Latin names. Her passion for plants led to her spending her free time after school assisting with greenhouse duties across the campus, further developing her knowledge and skills. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized with the Steve and Jing Wong Excellence in Horticulture Award. Trish plans on continuing her studies at TRU, returning in the fall semester for the second-year diploma in horticulture management.

Ben Turner graduates from the Juris Doctor (Law) program. Prior to TRU, he received a Bachelor of Arts from Claremont McKenna College and worked in San Francisco and Vancouver. At TRU, Ben enjoyed learning from the passionate, engaged faculty, working alongside wonderful peers and being empowered by supportive mentors. He was a research assistant to professors Robert Diab, Andrew Pilliar, Nicole Schabus and Chief Law Librarian Mary Hemmings, and a teaching assistant to Professor Jeffrey Meyers. On campus, Ben served as junior co-chair and conference chair for the TRU SLS Conference and competed as an oralist in the 2022 Wilson Moot. Ben was awarded the Law Foundation Public Interest Award and five Dean’s Course Prizes. After graduation, Ben will be clerking at the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Victoria before returning to practice at Fasken LLP in Vancouver.

Kathryn (Katie) Ignace graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. During her first two years in the program, Kathryn worked with TRU Supplemental Learning, Peer Mentoring and Peer Academic Coaching. She volunteered with the TRU Nursing Undergraduate Society and the Kamloops Sunrays Synchronized Swimming Club. Kathryn’s awards include the Ken and Maureen Lepin Prize of Excellence in Nursing, the Native Northwest Reconciliation Award for Nursing, a Canadian Nursing Foundation Scholarship, a Registered Nursing Foundation of BC Scholarship, the National Indian Brotherhood Trust Fund Scholarship, the Post-Secondary Chief Joe Mathias Scholarship Fund, an Indspire Award and a New Gold Stk'emplusemc te Secwépemc Nation Scholarship. Upon graduation, Kathryn will work as a pediatric nurse at Royal Inland Hospital, then complete her labour and delivery nursing practicum. Eventually, she hopes to earn a masters in nursing or midwifery.

Kateryna (Kate) Tretiakova graduates from the Bachelor of Science with an honours in mathematics. Kate came to TRU from Ukraine to enrich her skills and build new connections. She enjoyed the program's numerous opportunities and its small class sizes. She worked on multiple research projects with various faculty members and helped students as a teaching assistant. Kate was on the Dean’s List multiple times and received several awards, including the TRU Diversity Award, the TELUS Excellence in Science Award, and the Dr. Sherman Jen Scholarship for Science. In addition to her studies, she founded the TRU Math Club, which allowed her to tap into her passion for mathematics and show younger students how great mathematics can be. In fall, Kate enters graduate school to earn a master’s in mathematics.

Adam Toor graduates from the Bachelor of Business Administration program with a major in Human Resource Management. Adam was an active student on campus and involved community member. He has been a tutor, peer academic coach and supplemental learning leader and mentor, and a passionate volunteer with Indo-Can society on campus. Off campus, he was involved in coaching youth hockey. One of his TRU highlights was presenting an original project with his peer group at the 50th International Supplemental Instruction Conference in Toronto. Adam’s awards include the TRU Medal in Business Administration, the Alvin and Lydia Grunert School of Business and Economics Scholarship, the TRU Alumni Association Scholarship, the Bruce and Theresa Gysel Bachelor of Business Bursary and the TRU Law Entrance Scholarship. Adam plans to make a career of his passion for social justice, Indigenous education and student success as he begins his first year in the TRU Law program this fall.

Lacee Smith graduates with a Bachelor of Education degree. Throughout the program, Lacee found her voice in her small classes and took advantage of the opportunities to reflect and share her personal journey, contributing to creating a sense of community within the program. When she wasn’t on campus, Lacee could be found volunteering with the Kamloops Performance Cycling Centre or as a mountain bike coach with Kamloops’s female riding club, the Dirt Chix. In recognition of her academic efforts, Lacee received the Fawcett Family Bursary and found herself on the Dean’s List. Upon graduation, she plans to continue working as a teacher and expand her knowledge in special education, classroom decolonization methods and outdoor education to inform her teaching practice.

Olivia Lane graduates with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology. With the Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program, Lane researched perceptions of racial bias among international students and faculty in a post-secondary context. She published research about incarcerated Indigenous Peoples and Restorative Justice in the award-winning Knowledge Makers journal and presented a paper on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls at TRU’s Philosophy, History and Politics Conference. Lane volunteered as a student wellness ambassador, Indigenous mentor and member of the MotionBallU executive committee. Her awards include the TD Indigenous Mentor Award, Irving K. Barber Indigenous award, the Kecmens te sqlew bursary (known as the Indigenous Incentive bursary), Peer Mentor of the month and she was on the Dean’s List from September, 2019 to April, 2023. Upon graduation, she plans to work in social services, then purse a master’s degree in clinical or forensic psychology.

Amy Ulrich graduates from the Bachelor of Tourism Management program. She enjoyed meeting people from all over the world and learning how tourism can be a force for positive global change. In her graduating seminar project, she conducted secondary research on pro-poor tourism in Thailand, specifically looking at how tourism that directs profits back to the community has generated social and economic benefits for women over the past 20 years. Amy’s awards include the Alvin & Lydia Grunert in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, the Peter R. B. Armstrong Award in 2022 and the Ken Lepin Prize of Excellence in Tourism Management in 2022. Amy is working with Tourism Kamloops this summer as a BOLD Street Team member. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in a tourism-related field.

Cassidy Lea Jean graduates with a Bachelor of Arts. Cassidy completed a double major in English and Psychology, which allowed her to explore various genres of literature and learn about how the mind works. She participated in the Global Skills Opportunity program and spent three weeks in Zaragoza, Spain. She promoted TRU as a Future Student Ambassador and welcomed new students as an Orientation Leader. She served as a Supplemental Learning Leader, Mentor, and Peer Academic Coach. She was a founding member of the Arts Ambassadors, a student initiative, belonged to the Writers Club and was a Psychology Club board member. Her awards include the Ken Lepin Prize of Excellence in Bachelor of Arts, Ron & Glenda Miles Arts Bursary, Dr. & Mrs. G. B. Gowd Bursary for First Nations Women and the TRU Foundation Undergraduate Achievement Scholarship. Cassidy plans to pursue a master’s degree and a career as a novelist. After graduation, she intends to complete a certificate in teaching English as a second language and to work abroad.

Katelyn Zubak graduates with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She appreciated the diverse learning opportunities in the program, as well as the way faculty fostered a supportive learning environment and connections with the Kamloops business community. Katelyn enjoyed a semester abroad at the University of Chichester in the UK. She completed four Co-op work terms, including a year-long assignment with Hydro One in Ontario. She joined the Modern Marketing Association and Enactus student clubs, was a peer mentor and both a study abroad and career ambassador. Her many awards include the TRU President’s Entrance Scholarship, TRU Foundation Undergraduate Achievement Scholarship, Kamloops/Cariboo CPA Chapter Bursary, Robert Dziekanski Scholarship and Dallaire Family Award. She was on the Dean's List in Fall 2019. After graduation, Katelyn will put her supply chain management major to work at her new job as Area Manager with Amazon. In the future, she plans to pursue an MBA.

Anh (Colddy) Nguyen for the Faculty of Education and Social Work. It’s a long way from Da Nang, in central Vietnam, to Kamloops, BC. Anh (Colddy) Nguyen wanted to get an international education and his research brought him to TRU, where he has completed his English as a Second Language program so he can now move on to study business administration. In Vietnam, he volunteered in a group that supported orphanages and he plans to get more involved in clubs and volunteering on campus. He was nominated by his ESL instructor for the Yoshi Ozawa Award. Nguyen’s goal is to earn his Master of Business Administration degree at TRU, then do a three-year internship in Canada to put his skills into practice. After that, he wants to work internationally before returning to Vietnam to take over his family’s restaurant business.

Vimaljeet Singh for the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. Vimaljeet Singh has enjoyed making a new family in Kamloops and at TRU. He is unlocking his potential through his post-baccalaureate diploma in International Business. He volunteered with the TRUSU Services Committee to promote its services to students, with TRU World’s IDays events and student orientation, and as a student mentor. He collected enough hours to qualify for the Tim Hortons Scholarship Program and won first prize for the fastest line-following robot in a short-term coding workshop. After getting a couple years of work experience, he aspires to take a Master of Data Science program where his math, stats and programming skills will help him excel in this specialized field.

Marco Lussetti for the Faculty of Science. Graduating from the Bachelor of Computing Science program and focusing on full-stack development and machine learning, Marco Lusetti appreciated that TRU’s small classes fostered direct interaction and research opportunities with instructors. He worked on generative adversarial neural networks, big data reduction and mobile apps development and his work was featured at the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Conference. He served as a board member of the Computing Science Club, where he organized and taught free student workshops. He received the CUPE 4879, Dr. Sherman Jen Science and Rob Horne Memorial Computing Science scholarships. He plans to live in Kamloops after graduation.

Makenzie Vandertoolen for the School of Nursing. Makenzie Vandertoolen has always been about helping people. So it was a natural fit for her to go into nursing. And when it came to choosing a place to study, she kept hearing about TRU as having one of the best nursing programs around. Vandertoolen excelled in the program, attended numerous conferences, was on the dean’s Student Liaison Committee and held the position of vice-president of the TRU Nursing Undergraduate Society for three years. That latter society developed a self-sustaining award for an exceptional nursing student. Vandertoolen has already been snapped up by Penticton Regional Hospital, where she works on a cardiac ward and plans to train for critical-care nursing.

Devon Banks for the Faculty of Arts. Devon Banks did her homework before choosing a university and program. The Alberta student knew several people who highly recommended TRU and she discovered the communications program fit with her passion for music and events. Devon made her mark assisting with creating weekly events at the Commodore Grand Lounge and Café that united artists and students through music nights, as well as being a teaching assistant in her final year. She was awarded the TRU Arts Merit Award in the winter of 2018 and twice won the Jennie Zwarich Memorial Bursary. After graduation, she looks forward to travelling to Vietnam to teach English while building up her freelance portfolio as a social media content specialist.

Fauve Garson for the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism Management. Fauve Garson is graduating with her Bachelor of Tourism Management degree. She was a research assistant and coach, and conducted independent research through the Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program. An avid volunteer on and off campus—and a member of the Professional Convention Management Association—she participated in her faculty’s dean search committee, thrice made the dean’s list and won Best Student Research Paper at a tourism conference in South Africa. Fauve received the Research-Informed Learning, Shaver, TOTA Tourism Excellence and Wells Gray Tours Scholarships as well as the Ken Lepin Award of Excellence. She plans to study sustainability in the tourism industry after pursuing graduate studies in environmental science.

Lavraj Singh Lidher for the Faculty of Science. Lavraj Lidher has always been passionate about science, so it was no surprise he excelled as he completed his Bachelor of Science in chemical biology. He shared his love of science with younger students at the EUReKA science camps, while doing serious research as primary investigator as a UREAP, NSERC-USRA recipient and honours student. He was also a student representative for the TRU Alumni and Friends Association, served as an undergraduate research ambassador and was awarded the TRU Chemical Biology Prize, Ken Lepin Award for Academic Achievement in Science and the undergraduate student member scholarship from the Association of the Chemical Profession of British Columbia. He plans to become an orthodontist.

Evan Choy for the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. Evan Choy focused his entrepreneurial aspirations, networking talents and desire to enact social change through innovation into a degree in Business Administration. Active in the Enactus Club, his roles included VP finance and VP business development. He was also VP finance and VP external of the TRU Marketing Club, and coordinated the 2018 TRU Business Gala. A standout moment was his role as student representative on the search committee for TRU’s new president. He values his global competency skills, honed studying abroad in Barcelona. Three years after his co-op term with TD Canada Trust, he’s working in management, and is one of 60 North American candidates recruited to attend a branch manager training program.

Anastasia Silina for the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism. Anastasia Silina’s passion for travel took her all the way from her hometown of Khabarovsk, Russia, to TRU, where she completed a Bachelor of Tourism Management. She wanted to study abroad in an English-speaking country and chose Canada for quick access to nature, quality education and promising job opportunities. She volunteered for many on-campus events like IDays, Kamloops Bridal Fair, LEAP, and student orientation week. Part of her qualitative undergraduate research involved examining millennials’ perceptions of tourism advertising campaigns when virtual reality is used. She is now working at Hotel 540 and hopes to pursue a master’s degree in tourism.

Becca Peters for the School of Trades and Technology. Becca Peters completed the Heavy Mechanical Foundation. A desire to avoid a desk job in favour of active, tactile work inspired her to explore the trades. TRU’s Women in Trades exploratory program introduced her to various heavy construction trades and career paths. She is grateful for support from her family and from instructor Lyle Hirowatari, who encouraged her to pursue heavy duty mechanics, despite the notion of it being a male-dominated trade. The Canada-British Columbia Job Fund supported Becca in her first year of studies. Looking ahead, her goal is to secure a local apprenticeship, continue her studies and eventually obtain a Red Seal certification.

Benjamin Froese for the Faculty of Arts. Benjamin Froese completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in sociology and a minor in philosophy. His interest in people, culture and social trends led him to sociology, while philosophy rose from his Christian faith and a desire to think through life’s big questions from different perspectives. Ben received a Shaver Scholarship in 2015 and a TRU Foundation Undergraduate Achievement Scholarship in 2017. He presented at the TRU Philosophy, History and Politics Conference in 2017 and at the TRU Undergraduate Research and Innovation Conference this spring. Pursuing his goal to become a pastor, he starts a master’s degree in September at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ont.

Steven Shergill for the Faculty of Law. Steven Shergill completed his Juris Doctor and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia. He chose law as his way of giving back to the Canadian legal system, which not only provides stability and protection for citizens, but also allowed his forefathers from Punjab to make a home here. During his time at TRU, Steven assisted law faculty member Katie Sykes with her research on First Nations businesses in Kamloops and on access to justice. This past year he was the academic director of TRU's Society of Law Students, where he advocated for the student voice on various faculty committees. After graduation, he is articling with the City of Surrey's in-house counsel.

Mackenzie Cassels for the Faculty of Arts. Mackenzie Cassels completed her Bachelor of Arts with a major in history and a minor in political science. Out of a passion for politics she helped spearhead the TRU Political Science Club, co-chaired the 2017 Model United Nations Conference and co-organized the 2017 PHP Conference. She spent five months in the Philippines as an intern with Save the Children, helping to implement a national reading program. Cassels was also a research assistant to faculty member Dr. Tina Block and was part of a student team that studied youth voting behavior. She intends to take a year off before pursuing a master’s in public policy.

Tatiana Fedotova for the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. Tatiana Fedotova completed her Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in human resources and a minor in marketing. She applied her learning in the TRU Enactus club as marketing coordinator, director of human resources and faculty advisor, and completed three co-op terms as web and events assistant. Fedotova received the Outstanding International Student of the Year award in 2016 and has also served as a Learning Innovation Fellow, student fundraiser for the TRU Alumni Foundation and communications director for the TRUSU Lean in – Leadership for Gender Equality Club. She plans to gain more work experience before pursuing a graduate degree or attending law school.

Eli Zbar for the Faculty of Law. Eli Zbar completed his Juris Doctor and holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of British Columbia. His passion for working with people led him to choose law school, as the practice of law is fundamentally about helping people. Zbar was the first TRU Law student to conduct a self-directed qualitative research project, which focused on improving student training in the Clinical Legal Education program. He received the Dean’s Course Prize for Clinical Practice in Winter 2016 and the 2017 Law Foundation of BC Public Interest Law scholarship. He looks forward to starting his career as a lawyer in downtown Vancouver and pursuing graduate-level legal studies.

Angel Phair for the Faculty of Education and Social Work. Angel Phair is the first valedictorian to represent the Education and Skills Training Program (ESTR), which provides students with cognitive disabilities with knowledge about future employment opportunities and training in specific areas. After completing the Career Explorations credential last year, Phair went on to receive a Kitchen Assistant certificate. Her quiet manner and willingness to listen and observe translates to an effective leadership style, and her classmates regularly sought her advice and guidance. She received a BC Lions Society Advanced Education Award last year. This summer, she plans to work as a cook or camp counsellor before returning to TRU to complete ESTR’s Retail Worker certificate.

Dylan Ziegler for the Faculty of Science. Dylan Ziegler has immersed himself in research, reaped the rewards, and now wants to become a university professor. During his studies, he was a teaching assistant for second-year biology students, and served as president of the TRUSU Botany Club. As a paid student researcher for the past three summers, he published two peer-reviewed papers, one related to his honours project, and received an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award. Ziegler has also won awards for his presenting skills, honed at six conferences. The recipient of an NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master's Award, he plans to use the funds to study plant developmental genetics at the University of Manitoba.

Taryn Christian for the School of Nursing. Taryn Christian entered the nursing program not only because of the global opportunities in the field of nursing and health care, but also out of a desire to engage with people, learn their stories and provide quality care. She has a love for travelling and attended a field school in Apia, Samoa in her third year, where she completed her clinical practical experience. Christian loves to keep active and spent countless hours participating in recreational sports at TRU and in the community. She currently works for Interior Health, where she plans to hone her skills before pursuing a clinical specialty or a master’s degree.

Kristy Alphonse-Palmantier for the Williams Lake Campus. Kristy Alphonse-Palmantier is Northern Shuswap, born and raised on her traditional territory in Williams Lake. As an employee, advisor, entrepreneur and volunteer, she has been a tireless advocate for First Nation voices in her community and beyond. Her career achievements include business ventures in retail and cattle, positions with the provincial government, two terms on Chief and Council, and several roles with the Williams Lake Indian Band. Recently, with four children grown, Kristy completed a Certificate of Indigenous Studies and a Bachelor of General Studies through TRU. She now plans to merge and strengthen the tools she gained through her education with her traditional teachings.

Sara Corless for the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism.

Twyla Hartnell for the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics.

Sophie Stanley for the School of Nursing.

Rolena deBruyn for the Faculty of Science.

Alexa Manuel for the Faculty of Arts.

Marilyn Patricia Adolph for the Faculty of Human, Social, and Educational Development. Marilyn Patricia Adolph is from Lillooet, BC. After attending secondary schools in Vancouver, she began a Basic Training Skills Development (BTSD) Level IV (Grade 12 equivalency) with Cariboo College in 1975. She has worked as an elementary school tutor for the Fountain Band, as Program Director with the Lillooet Friendship Centre, and as a First Nations Student Support Worker with School District No. 74 in Gold Trail, where she is currently a teacher-on-call. In 1988, Marilyn was honoured with a British Columbia for Mentally Handicapped People Partnership Award for advocating that people with disabilities be integrated into the public school system. Returning to TRU as a Bachelor of Education student, Marilyn was named to the Dean’s List three times, and received a UREAP grant to research the importance of place for Indigenous people. One of the highlights of her student life was creating a cultural education book for children that started out as an assignment for her Education Language and Literacy 4150 (EDLL) class. She sat on the TRU Academic Planning Steering Committee, and volunteers in the community with the Aboriginal Parents Club. Her greatest achievement is raising three children with her husband Art. Marilyn enjoys harvesting and preserving Indigenous foods, writing poetry, visiting waterfalls, and encouraging young people to stay in school. Her future plans include obtaining her Master’s in Education.

Monica Hall for the Faculty of Science. Monica Hall grew up in Kamloops and attended NorKam Secondary and Kamloops Senior Secondary. After high school, she did a number of jobs, including working at her family’s restaurant and the YMCA-YWCA, while raising two children. When her father’s health deteriorated, she became his primary caregiver for seven years. Looking after her father gave Monica an insight into the nursing profession and the dedication it takes to be in the health care field. In September 2011, she started in the Health Care Assistant Program at TRU. Although at age 44 she was a mature student, Monica was made to feel she belonged. She will always be grateful to her TRU instructors for their positive energy, support and encouragement. An opportunity she was given during practicum to advocate for a client, and then to see the difference that it all made, was one of the memorable moments of her studies. Family remains central in her life. She enjoys getting outdoors in her community, and running with the Distance Divas, the women’s running group she founded. Since her graduation in March 2012, she has been working in a casual position for the Interior Health Authority and Ridgeview Lodge. Monica enjoys going to work and looks forward to expanding her knowledge and experience in the health care field.

Steven Thompson Holm for the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. Steven Thompson Holm was born and raised in Kamloops, and graduated from the South Kamloops Secondary School French Immersion Program with an Ambassador’s Scholarship to TRU. A Business Administration student majoring in Economics and Finance, he worked as a research assistant in the Department of Economics and was the co-president of the Economics Students’ Association on campus. Also a member of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Steven was the program manager for Thompson Rivers Consulting, which helps small businesses and non-profits. He was also part of the SIFE presentation team for the Go Green and Entrepreneurship categories at the national ACE competition. The semester he spent studying abroad at the Université Paul Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence, France was one of the highlights of his student life. With a UREAP research grant, Steven studied the effect of funding sources on undergraduate student outcomes and presented “BC Student Loan Policy in the Global Context” at TRU’s Undergraduate Research Conference. He has been involved in federal politics at the local level and twice won bursaries to attend Fraser Institute public policy seminars. A regular on the Dean’s List, he is an Institutional Candidate for the SSHRC Bombardier Masters Scholarship. Steven will start law school in September at Osgoode Hall in Toronto and will pursue his Chartered Financial Analyst designation Level 1 in December.

Emily Jean Hope for the Faculty of Arts. Emily Jean Hope was born in Newmarket, Ontario and attended Aurora High School. In 2008 she moved west to Kamloops and enrolled at TRU. As a Bachelor of Fine Arts student, Emily worked as a research assistant with the Community-University Research Alliance (CURA) Cultural Future of Small Cities research program. The mentorship she received from the Visual Arts faculty and the CURA community was rewarding and inspiring. The research conference in Portugal was a highlight of her undergraduate experience. Emily’s work is primarily engaged in research into the practice of creating public art and the history of the Wild Man motif in Western culture. A solo show of her work was forthcoming at the Kamloops Art Gallery. Emily is the winner of the 2008 Talonbooks Canadian Studies 200 Best Essay Prize, a Comprehensive University Endowment Fund (CUEF) Research Scholarship in 2009, the 2011 Kamloops and District Woodlot Association Award, and was nominated for the Grunert Scholarship award in 2012. She served as a board member for the Arnica Artist Run Centre and as Co-President of the Visual Arts Student Association. Emily and her husband were expecting their first child that fall. She plans to exhibit and create new work over the next year and begin a Master of Fine Arts in the fall of 2013.

Amrita Patel for the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics. Amrita grew up in Kamloops, attending South Kamloops Secondary and volunteering with the Kamloops Youth Advisory Council and the Hindu Cultural Society. At TRU, Amrita chose a double major in accounting and finance for her Bachelor of Business Administration. A highlight of her time at TRU has been volunteering with SIFE, both as VP of Finance and Administration, and as a team member at the Regional and National competitions, where her team won 1st place in the Financial Literacy Challenge and runner up in Entrepreneurship. Amrita was chosen as one of eight students to represent TRU at the Annual Forecasting Budget in 2008, and won the Dixon Memorial Bursary that same year. Her most memorable experience was the Business Field School in India under the guidance of Heather Williams, one of the professors she credits most for her success. Amrita was one of 10 Canadian students at the KPMG Fast Forward Leadership Conference in Hollywood, California in 2008; after graduation she will complete her chartered accountant designation with KPMG and hopes to travel the world with KPMG Go.

Cynthia Schaap for the School of Tourism and the Faculty of Human, Social, and Educational Development. Cynthia attended Parkland Secondary in her home town of Victoria, BC. After graduation, she joined the University of Victoria for a year of general studies before coming to TRU to earn her Events and Conventions Management Diploma, after which she decided to go further and earn her Bachelor of Tourism Management. While at TRU, she spent time volunteering as President for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), was a Transition Mentor for first-year students coming to university, acted as Assistant Orientation Coordinator for TRU, and was also a Student Task Force member for the PCMA. She received numerous awards, including the Roy B. Evans Scholarship, the Delta Hotel Scholarship, Nels Grane Wells Entrance Scholarship, and the Doug Menzies Award. The atmosphere and community of the university, the learning opportunities outside the classroom, and her professors and classes were what made TRU special to Cynthia. She has been hired as the catering and sales manager for Aramark at the University of Alberta.

Adam Fizer for the School of Trades and Technology and the Faculty of Arts. Adam is from Red Deer, Alberta, where he attended Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. Adam came to TRU as a mature student to study Economics. He volunteered his time and energy as an Economic Student Association founder and President, as the Humanitarian Club’s Treasurer working with the Kamloops Food Bank and United Way, and as a SIFE TRU member helping to develop a program to teach economic environmental principles to local grade 6 and 7 classes. Adam received many awards, including Best Overall Presentation at the TRU Undergraduate Research Conference, and the Joseph Bombardier Memorial Scholarship, which is the premier award in the country for an undergraduate student moving into graduate studies. Adam will use this award to pursue a Masters in Economics next fall at Wilfrid Laurier University, where he has also been awarded the Laurier Centennial Scholarship for leadership and the Laurier Dean’s Scholarship for academic excellence. Highlights of his student life were the excellent support from faculty and the personal relationships he developed with many friends that he hopes to carry with him throughout his career.

Brady Nelson for the School of Nursing and the Faculty of Science. Brady is from Campbell River, BC. After graduating from Carihi Secondary, he attended Camosun College in Victoria, and worked as an apprentice in electroplating with the Department of National Defense. Then in 2008 he made one of the best decisions of his life, returning to school to take Respiratory Therapy at TRU. Throughout the program he made the Dean’s list each semester, and his 2009 poster project on sleep apnea won a $2000 grant for Brady and fellow students to attend the BC Society of Respiratory Therapists’ Conference in Kelowna. One of his most memorable experiences was travelling across BC with students and faculty in the inaugural year of TRU’s Mobile Centre for Respiratory Health and Sleep Science, educating communities on respiratory health. He also volunteered with several nursing programs and 3rd year medical programs, demonstrating various techniques in respiratory therapy. Brady enjoyed his clinical year at Victoria General and Royal Jubilee hospitals, as well as Vancouver General, and returned to the two Victoria hospitals in May to begin work as a respiratory therapist. He plans to further his education at TRU in a health-related field such as a Bachelor of Health Science.

Sharon Lee was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and immigrated to Kamloops when she was 11 years old. She graduated with honours from Kamloops Senior Secondary. After graduation Sharon attended Carleton University in Ottawa, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, also with high honours. Her history of helping people through many non-profit agencies has culminated in pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree at Thompson Rivers University. Sharon volunteers with the Red Cross where she has been a human resources coordinator, case manager, recruiter, and trainer for disaster management in Kamloops. She also volunteers at South Hills Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre. While at TRU she promoted the Red Cross during International Days. In her third year she was involved with the Social Work Club. She was honoured to be a member of a class that received eagle feathers from Elder Gerald Carter for their work to organize the first traditional powwow for preschoolers on campus. She plans to pursue graduate studies in clinical social work.

Alixandra Jean Stupich 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, she 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. She 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.

Kimberly Anne Campbell 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 a confidential space for students to talk to trained student volunteers. In 2009–2010, she was President of the TRUSU History Club and 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 received the Neil Russell Award for Student Leadership. After graduating, she entered the secondary education program.

Kate Allard graduated from Haney Pitt Meadows Christian School in 2002. After graduating, Kate went to Bible school before becoming a nanny for a Kamloops couple. After caring for a child who was hospitalized at BC Children’s Hospital, she was inspired to pursue nursing. She entered the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2006 and maintained excellent grades while participating in an international field school in Samoa and a Study Abroad semester in Norway. Kate began her career at Shuswap Lake General Hospital in a medical-surgical position.

Megan Lepp graduated from Mount Boucherie Secondary School in West Kelowna in 2005. She came to TRU after attending a Co-operative Education presentation. She completed co-op terms including student recruitment and participated in TRU’s Study Abroad program in Austria. Megan served as Vice-President Marketing for Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration, pursuing a career in marketing and communications.

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 a minor in Sociology. While taking a four-year hiatus from academia, Brad remained involved with TRU, contracting his services to a Sociology research project studying access to post-secondary education in British Columbia.

During this time, his wife entered the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at TRU. Watching her progression through the nursing program, Brad developed a passion for nursing and subsequently entered the BSN program, completing it in August 2010. During his studies, Brad completed two practicums at Lillooet District Hospital in emergency and acute care. He was also hired as an Employed Student Nurse in Lillooet and later in the emergency department at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH).

Highlights of the BSN program included developing a framework for evaluating Acute Care Attendants at RIH, developing curriculum for Ambulatory Psychiatric Services at RIH, and receiving the Canadian Institute of Health Research award, which allowed him to work as a research assistant on a hermeneutic phenomenological research project studying nurses’ experiences of well-being in clinical settings.

Brad was also involved in the Nursing Undergraduate Society, served as a BC College of Nurses and Midwives student representative, and participated on two nursing dean selection committees. After completing his program, he was hired on the medical floor at RIH. His future plans include completing his Acute Critical Care Nursing in Emergency certificate, beginning his Master’s in Nursing in 2011, and eventually becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Brad would like to thank his wife, family, friends and the TRU nursing faculty and classmates for their support and guidance.

John Ford Widrig was raised in Lunenburg, NS, and graduated with Honours and Distinction from Lunenburg High School in 2003. Upon graduating, Ford traveled to Lethbridge, AB, for his first year of university and competition in collegiate track and field. The following year he found work in Grand Forks, BC, and in 2005 resumed his studies at Thompson Rivers University. While at TRU, Ford was a tutor for TRU’s Supplemental Learning program, studied abroad for one semester at the Turku School of Economics in Finland, and competed for the Kamloops Track and Field Club under Dr. Anatoly Bondarchuk. In August of this year Ford completed the Bachelor of Business Administration program at TRU, with a concentration and minor in finance and accounting, respectively, and a cumulative ‘A’ grade point average. He has returned to Grand Forks and works as the office administrator for Advance Nursery Co. Ltd.

Ashley Relling grew up in Vernon BC, graduating from WL Seaton Secondary in 2005 where she earned a President’s Entrance Scholarship to Thompson Rivers University. She excelled academically while pursuing her degree, making the list of top academic achievers on the Dean’s List each semester. As well, she spent three semesters as a Residence Advisor, a semester studying abroad at the University of Western Australia and has been involved in every aspect of theatre production with the TRU Actors Workshop while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a Major in Theatre. Ashley is returning to TRU this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Education Degree, working towards her career goal of becoming a high school principal.

Holly McLean is the first graduate from the Early Childhood Education program to be named valedictorian at Thompson Rivers University. In 2001, this member of the Long Plains First Nation of Manitoba, graduated from Columneetza Secondary in Williams Lake. Her choice to pursue a career in early childhood education was an easy one as Holly has been inspired by her mother’s work with young children in childcare settings and as a foster parent. During Holly’s practicum experiences she worked closely with parents and children at First Steps Daycare. She marvels at the opportunity she had there to help young families. Holly is confi dent she made the right choice in her credential and looks forwards to seeing what doors will open and the places she can go in this new and rewarding career.

Nicole Link-Loeher has had a varied career path that included a stint as an electrical trades apprentice, ultimately leading to the Engineering Design and Drafting Technology program at Thompson Rivers University. In addition to her studies, Nicole served on the program advisory committee and spoke on behalf of the co-op program. Off-campus Nicole volunteered as a run club coach, at Overlander Extended Care Hospital and with her church. Within days of completing her program, Nicole had four job offers. She has chosen to launch her career as a Civil Technician with Urban Systems, the local firm where she completed two successful co-op terms.

Bob Stanley Bob Stanley, an Indonesian student, arrived at Thompson Rivers University in 2004. In addition to his academic studies, this Bachelor of Science Environmental Chemistry graduate has been active as the treasurer of the Bio-Chemistry Club and playing doubles badminton for the WolfPack. He credits his academic success to the friendly and helpful faculty with whose guidance has led to his having three papers being reviewed for publication. He was named co-op student of the year in 2007 for the three terms he spent at his dream co-op position with the Columbia Brewery. This summer, before heading to graduate school, Bob will be continuing his research with Dr. Kingsley Donkor on a new type of antibiotic that has shown some effectiveness against a viral superbug.

Danissa Kraljevic, a graduate of St. Ann's Academy in 2001, has been active at TRU and in the Kamloops community for seven years, including four summers as a firefighter dispatcher for the Ministry of Forests and Range and four years on the women's basketball varsity team playing the position of point guard and serving as team captain. In 2005, she received the Task Force Athlete of the Year and Women's Basketball Leadership Awards.  As a member of the student athlete committee she played a pivotal role in choosing the name WolfPack for TRU's varsity teams.  Whether as an athlete or during her third year international nursing practicum in Samoa, volunteering to speak for the School of Nursing at the annual toys-for-tots campaign or making sure colleagues from Williams Lake were welcomed, Danissa has taken great pride in representing Thompson Rivers University.  It's something she'll continue as she heads to Australia for a few years of work and travel.

Ryan Steele began his post-secondary education at TRU in 2000, the summer after his graduation from Valleyview Secondary and has gone on to accomplish a great deal.  He has completed four co-op education semesters, an experience he describes as the best way to test drive a career to find out what you like and don't like.  In 2004 he received his Computer System: Operations and Management Diploma, and was named to the Dean's List for Academic achievement.  He spent a year studying abroad at the Tianjin University of Technology in Tianjin, China. Ryan has been active in the Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) and the Eco-Committee groups on campus and is one of only a half dozen students to have taken advantage of the double degree in the Bachelor of Technology in Applied Computing Science and Bachelor of Business Administration in the ten years it has been offered.

Caitlin Johnson, a bilingual graduate from John Peterson Secondary School's French Immersion program, knew that tourism was her calling after travelling in Europe in 2003.  Since entering the Bachelor of Tourism Management program in 2004, she has spent her summers working in the industry with Rocky Mountaineer Vacations and the Kamloops Visitor Centre, where she is currently a lead counsellor. In her spare time, Caitlin can be seen supporting and pyhotographing local bands and musicians, playing guitar, and participating in community runs.  She is also a budding wine connoisseur.  After a trip later this summer to Denmark, she is considering pursuing graduate studies in tourism and sustainability.

Jamie Schaab grew up in Merritt and started TRU in 2005 in the second year, transferring her first year of university courses from Northern Lights College in Fort St. John, to the journalism program at TRU.  Jamie has made the most of every opportunity to become a journalist competent in all media.  She currently hosts Radio NL's Saturday show in Merritt, has done freelance writing for magazines, and has completed a summer internship at the Merritt Herald. In 2007, she was a BC Yukon Community News Association essay award recipient, received the Douglas Morelli Memorial Scholarship and won the 2004 Dave Johnson Academic Studies Award at Northern Lights Community College.  She is also this year's recipient of the TRU Medal in Journalism.  With some real newsroom experience behind her, she has the confidence to plot a career that could include many options that range from public relations, the publishing industry to freelance.  As a newly certified yoga instructor, whatever her future plans entail, they will certainly balance life and work.

Valaree Kloska, has been Miss Chase, graduated from Chase Secondary, had a baby boy and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  Valaree is already working on her Neonatal Care Certificate and plans to complete her Masters of Science in Nursing. Currently she is working in the neonatal intensive care unit at Royal Inland Hospital and with Community in Chase and Salmon Arm. Valaree finds time to play women's hockey, volunteer with her son's activities and with the Miss Chase Excellence Committee, acknowledging the incredible support and experience she gained while she was Miss Chase.  She accomplished a great deal since 2003 and credits her parents for helping her achieve her success.

Claire Gall came to TRU to study finance and marketing after graduating in 2001 from Mount Baker Secondary in her home town of Cranbrook. Claire was vice-president of the ACE (Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship) team which competed in Toronto this year, and she has also volunteered with the TRU eco-committee, Ducks Unlimited, BC Summer Games, Rotary Youth Leadership Camp, Lions Club, where she was inducted as an honorary member at the age of 18, and SPCA. Claire has accepted a position with Paramount Energy Trust of Calgary starting next week. She also plans to pursue a professional designation in finance and she will write the Level 1 chartered financial analyst exam later this year.

Shelley Kreutz graduated from Kamloops Secondary School in 1998 then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre from UBC before coming to TRU to complete a degree in education. Shelley is looking forward to moving back to her house in Burnaby and getting a teaching job on the Lower Mainland, while continuing to work in film during the summer months. She’s also hoping to take some time off to travel around Europe.

Kristine Rasmussen graduated from Merritt Secondary School in 2002 then came to TRU to further her knowledge and interest in photography and printmaking through a degree in Fine Arts. An excellent student throughout high school and university, Kristine has won numerous awards for academic merit, including the Governor General’s Award in 2002, the National Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, the National Garfield Weston Merit Scholarship for Colleges, a Millennium Excellence Award, an AUCC Mattinson Endowment award, and a TRU Visual Arts faculty scholarship. She also found time to volunteer with the MS Society of Canada, the Terry Fox Run, and at the Sagebrush and Pavilion Theatres.

Amber Greenall graduated from Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School in 100 Mile House in 2002 and left the family ranch to come to TRU. A Bachelor of Natural Resource Science degree student with an interest in range issues, Amber attended the Society of Range Management Conference in Reno, Nevada, this year, where she placed 5th out of 152 students in the Undergraduate Range Management Exam. Amber’s future plans include a master degree, and she’s considering TRU’s new Master of Science in Environmental Science degree.  Amber is also the winner of the Thompson Rivers University Medal in Natural Resource Science.

Kirti Naslund was born in India and moved to Canada when she was 10-years old.  In 2005, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in accounting, at The University College of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford. Kirti maintained an impressive GPA throughout the intensive master's program and volunteered to chair the MBA Student Committee.  She worked with the committee to organize events to facilitate the students' networks — both socially with ethnic parties and for business by hosting luncheons and breakfasts with keynote speakers.  Her future plans include a career in finance or business consulting.

MJ Paluck was born in Smithers, moving to Kamloops during her school years, where she graduated from Westsyde Secondary School. After earning her Community and School Support certificate at TRU, she laddered into the Child and Youth Care diploma program, where she excelled in her studies. She has already begun to use her education and skills as a co-facilitator at Skl’ep School, and her instructors describe her as a highly conscientious, ethical and skilled professional who has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the children, youth and families that she works with, to the university, and to the community of Kamloops. Future plans include volunteer work and working full-time in a school setting.

Nicole Berfurt grew up in Prince George, and graduated from Prince George Secondary School there. She returned to university as a mature student after the tragic death of her eldest son Jacob in 1999. After mathematics upgrading, Nicole enrolled in the Arts program, where she excelled, and was named to the Dean’s List in 2004 and 2005. An active community volunteer, Nicole is active with the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society and School District #73’s One to One reading program. On campus, she was instrumental in the formation of the Student Psychology Club. Future plans include a master’s degree and PhD with the ultimate goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.

Laura Beyer was born in Punnichy, Saskatchewan, then moved with her family to Creston, BC, where she graduated from Prince Charles Secondary School. A Dean's List scholar while pursuing her nursing degree, Laura, also co-owner of BodyWorks Fitness Centre, taught fitness classes and worked as a personal trainer. She also found time to volunteer at various blood-pressure clinics and even organized one of her own, as well as a "Stretch at Work" seminar. Future plans include an advanced practice course to obtain a neonatal nursing specialty certificate, and a master’s degree in nursing within the next ten years, with the ultimate goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner.

Samara Quinton grew up in Cranbrook, graduating from Mount Baker Secondary School. She completed a Business Administration Diploma in Accounting at College of the Rockies and a certificate of Religious Studies at Pacific Life Bible College before coming to TRU to continue her business education. In the last three years, Samara was named to the Dean's List throughout her years of schooling and has won a number of awards, including the 2003 Governor General Bronze Medal, a TRU transfer award and entrance bursary in 2003, and the 2005 Chartered Accountant's Education Foundation scholarship. Future plans include earning her Chartered Accountant designation and travel. Samara is also the winner of the University Medal in Business Administration.

Kevin Hewins was born in Campbell River and graduated from high school there in 1998. After completing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at TRU in 2005, he immediately enrolled in the new master degree program. He maintained a 4+ GPA for the duration of his intensive 16-month program, was named to the Dean's List, and received the Convergys Scholarship. Kevin's future plans include earning a PhD in organizational behaviour and becoming a university professor.

Christine Nickel well represents her program cluster, comprising the Faculty of Arts and the Division of Student Development. She came to Kamloops with her family after graduating from Fernie Secondary School and enrolled at TRU. After upgrading some academic prerequisites in College Prep, a department in Student Development, she enrolled in the Geography program under the Faculty of Arts. While maintaining high grades in her courses, winning the Hugh Neave Memorial 4th-year Geography bursary this year, she also found time to volunteer with the CSS Campus Life Team, the CFBX Campus-Community Radio station, and the Geography Club, where she served two years as treasurer. She will be studying broadcast journalism at BCIT this fall, and her long-term goals include world travel and completing a master’s degree. Her ultimate career goal is to combine her passion for geography with her interest in broadcasting, to become a television show host for a nature or science program.

Alison Assmus, who will represent the Sciences and Health Sciences, grew up in Logan Lake and completed high school with honours there, winning a number of academic and citizenship awards, and a UCC Entrance Award. When she came to TRU to study biology, she also excelled, making the Dean's List throughout her four years of study and winning the 2004 Biological Science Book Prize. An active athlete, she is also a lifeguard and swimming instructor, possesses a Sports First Aid certificate and a Level 1 National Coaching Certification, works out in the gym, and plays volleyball and golf. She will be attending the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in September, with the goal of becoming a naturopathic doctor.

Kristen Jordan, representing the Schools of Business and Economics, Advanced Technologies and Mathematics, and Trades and Technology, grew up in Kamloops, graduating from Brocklehurst Secondary School. An active marketing major, she continued to work in the advertising business while maintaining Dean's List standing throughout her years of study. On top of work and classes, she was vice-president, corporate development for the student business association ACE*TRU and was a tele-fundraiser for the TRU Foundation. She competed in national business student contests and represented TRU at its sister universities in Tianjin and Shanghai, China. After graduation, she hopes to continue to work in advertising and to travel to Africa.

Shawna Bava, also this year's winner of the University Medal in Social Work, will represent graduates in the Schools of Education, Social Work, and Tourism Management. She is an excellent academic student, highly involved in campus and community activities, and a leader of social work students. After graduating from St. Ann's Academy, Shawna attended Cariboo College for two years before completing a science degree with “Great Distinction” from the University of Saskatchewan. She then volunteered for a year with high-risk youth in Vancouver; the experience caused her to change her career path. She returned to her hometown to pursue a degree in social work, where she served on several committees and was the first student in her program to complete a practicum in an international setting.

Luke Bambauer was born in Vanderhoof and later moved to Kamloops with his family, where he attended Brocklehurst Secondary School. During this time, he pursued many outdoor interests including mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding and camping. After high school, Luke travelled and volunteered, building churches in Japan and working at a Christian university in Hawaii. He returned to Kamloops after a few years and enrolled in UCC's Welding C program, where he attained a 98 per cent average. He plans to work toward the required Welding C apprenticeship hours before returning to UCC to earn his Welding B and A certifications.