KPU graduates shine: Crossing the stage into a bright future

🔊 Listen to Post

Wearing black gowns and caps while carrying a university credential, Kwantlen Polytechnic University students participated in convocation ceremonies from June 11 to 14 at the Surrey campus auditorium, graduating from their studies and entering a new chapter of life. 

The auditorium was abuzz as friends, families, and faculty members gathered to celebrate years of hard work and dedication. Graduates were welcomed into the auditorium, and amidst a sea of proud faces and flowing academic gowns, the convocation ceremonies began with greetings from university administration, who reflected on the resilience and determination demonstrated by the graduating class. 

As the ceremony unfolded, words echoed across the auditorium, encouraging graduates to face the future with courage and purpose. KPU President Alan Davis gave words of wisdom and encouragement, pushing graduates to grab chances, pursue their passions, and make a difference in the world. 

KPU Elder-in-Residence Lekeyten gave a speech, appreciating students’ successes. Some students got a chance to reflect on their experiences at KPU, sharing moments like seeking help from faculty and waiting patiently in long lineups at Tim Hortons. 

From the distribution of medals and awards to musical performances emphasizing the spirit of togetherness, the elements of the convocation ceremony honoured the achievements and aspirations of the graduating class. 

Among the highlights of the day was the awarding of degrees, a symbolic moment that marked the culmination of academic rigour and personal progress. With cheers and applause echoing through the auditorium, graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees, faces beaming with pride.

As the ceremony drew to a close, graduates said goodbye to KPU, each embarking on different journeys and ready to leave their impact on the world. 

Love Bhangu, an international student who graduated with a diploma in general studies,  reflected on the occasion. Throughout his journey at KPU, Bhangu pursued music courses which turned into a “hobby and passion,” through learning from instructor Gordon Cobb and helping out with the Wake Up! Social Justice music festival in March. 

“I will miss many things about KPU, but the one thing is the whole environment of KPU and its campuses,” he says. “It’s so good, the people here, the [campus] facilities, and all the faculty members.”

Bhangu says he’d like to come back to KPU after receiving his Canadian permanent residency to potentially pursue a music credential. In the meantime, Bhangu is planning to use the skills he learned in his music courses to create social media content and get into the entertainment industry. 

He says the convocation ceremony was an emotional experience. 

“I graduated with my friends, my family was here, my friends were here to support me, and when I got on the stage, it was really a big moment for me because ever since we started studying … we always [dreamt] of this moment,” he says. 

As an alumni, Bhangu hopes to stay in touch with the KPU community. 

“You’re really fortunate to be part of the KPU community because this is one of the best places you can get knowledge, education, and all the skills that are necessary to grow in your life,” he says. 

KPU student Katrina Martin was also part of this year’s June convocation ceremonies and graduated with a diploma in fashion marketing from the Wilson School of Design. 

She moved from Winnipeg to Vancouver with a clear goal — to study the fashion industry — and says she’s glad she chose KPU. 

“I feel like I was able to make good connections with my classmates,” Martin says. 

“The projects that I was able to do with the program, I was able to immerse myself within the local Vancouver fashion scene, which is a good introduction to the kind of industry that I’m trying to go into because it’s so big [and] complex.” 

She also says that the program provided her with opportunities to network and make connections, adding that the Wilson School of Design grad show allowed students to showcase their work and collaborate with others. 

Looking ahead, Martin plans to continue studying at KPU by enrolling in a general business program, aiming to get a degree in entrepreneurial leadership. 

“I will miss the Wilson School of Design [building] …. It’s so nice to be there, study, and do your work. It’s very clean, relaxing, and peaceful,” she says. “[I will also] miss my teachers in the Wilson School Design program. A lot of them were very nice and also very talented.” 

Martin is currently working towards getting a job in marketing to gain experience, specifically in the areas of merchandising and styling, and says she feels happy about graduating. 

“At the same time, I’m like, ‘Well, this is just the beginning, I’m just getting started,’” she says. 

For Martin, being a KPU alumna means being able to guide new students like “a big sister.” 

“I would love to still be involved with KPU moving forward and be able to help other students in any way I can or even help the faculty,” she says. 

“Don’t be scared to be yourself and make different decisions. If you change your mind, that’s totally okay. The important part is to follow what your heart is telling you to do …. If you don’t like what you’re doing, you won’t be happy. So it’s important to prioritize that you enjoy what you’re doing.” 

International student Jasleen Kaur also graduated at the convocation, earning a diploma in business management. Reflecting on the two years she spent at KPU, Kaur says she feels “lucky and proud” to have studied at KPU. 

She says she will miss spending time in Grassroots Cafe at the Surrey campus, where she would hang out with friends, play cards and do other fun activities. 

After graduating, Kaur is planning to use the skills she learned in her business courses, such as money and time management, to open a coffee shop. She says the work she did in class group projects has helped prepare her to work both independently and as part of a team. 

Looking forward, Kaur may return to KPU after receiving her Canadian permanent residency. She says being a KPU alumna comes with many opportunities, including access to services such as the library, which is particularly meaningful to her as a book lover.

Kaur says her convocation ceremony was a mix of emotions. 

“I’m very sad and happy at the same time because I’m finally graduating, but I am … going to miss this campus a lot. I have created a lot of memories in these two years that have been a crazy journey for me,” she says.