Student Speakers

Associate of Arts in Psychology, School of Social Sciences

Shirleen Kaur Rakhroy is graduating from Capilano University with an Associate of Arts in Psychology. Her time at CapU has been shaped by curiosity, resilience and a deep commitment to understanding the human mind.

Shirleen’s academic excellence has been reflected with an entrance and consistent placement on the Dean’s List. She was an active member of the Psychology Club with the Capilano Students’ Union and her contributions were recognized with the CSU Engagement Award in Fall 2025.

Guided by curiosity and humility, Shirleen strives to leave every space better than she found it.

Looking ahead, Shirleen aspires to pursue opportunities in peer support and build a purposeful career in psychology. She extends sincere gratitude to her instructors and to her parents, whose unwavering support across distance has been a constant source of strength throughout her journey.

Bachelor of Tourism Management, Faculty of Global & Community Studies

Afnan (Aya) Khan is graduating from Capilano University with a Bachelor of Tourism Management. During her time at CapU, Aya actively pursued opportunities that supported both her professional and personal growth.

Aya participated in the Baxter Student Ambassador Program, where she was selected as one of the program’s top two finalists before ultimately receiving the award. She was also the recipient of the MPI BC Future Leaders Award, recognizing her leadership potential and commitment to the tourism and events industry.

During her journey at CapU, Aya learned the value of stepping outside her comfort zone and the importance of building meaningful connections with friends, mentors and industry professionals. She hopes to continue her journey in tourism working at a destination management organization.

Aya extends her sincere gratitude to God, her family, especially her parents, for their unwavering support, and to the instructors at Capilano University who guided and inspired her throughout her academic journey.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Faculty of Business & Professional Studies

Tushar Singla is graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a concentration in marketing and business information management & analytics. During his time at CapU, he demonstrated strong leadership and engagement as president of the Capilano University Marketing Association, an international student ambassador and a student housing ambassador.

Tushar represented CapU at several professional events, including the BCIT Networking Fair and the BCAMA Marketer of the Year event, and participated in the MLB Case Competition. He has been recognized on the Dean’s List and is particularly proud of his hands‑on learning through Work‑Integrated Learning projects, including a digital marketing plan for View Optometry and a Privacy Impact Assessment for Agent Market.

At CapU, Tushar discovered the importance of real‑world experience alongside academic learning, as well as the value of consistent effort supported by creativity and guidance.

Looking ahead, he aims to build a career in marketing, focusing on data-driven and people-centered strategies to help organizations grow and reach new heights.

He would like to thank his instructors and fellow classmates for their collaboration, teamwork, guidance, and shared learning throughout his journey at CapU.

Bachelor of Communication Studies, School of Communication

Mayumi Izumi is graduating from Capilano University with a Bachelor of Communication Studies after six years of dedicated academic and campus involvement. During her time at CapU, she served with the Capilano Students’ Union (CSU) as the Mature and Parent Students’ Liaison and as a student representative on the University’s Board of Governors. She was also actively involved with Capilano Radio and has been a contributing writer for the Capilano Courier.

One of Mayumi’s proudest academic achievements was earning 100 per cent on her CMNS 498 Public Relations campaign, a real‑world project created for MONOVA’s Friends Night at the Museum Gala, which was later shared as an example for future students.

Through her student leadership experience, Mayumi became a director of the Friends of the Museum of North Vancouver and Archives Society, where she serves as communications liaison. Her journey reinforced two key lessons: it is never too late to finish a degree, and ambitions are worth pursuing.

Mayumi would like to thank her mom, Masako Izumi and her instructors at CapU for their unwavering support.

Motion Picture Arts Diploma, Faculty of Fine & Applied Arts

Sydney Jackson is graduating with a Diploma in the Motion Picture Arts program, where she distinguished herself academically by earning a place on the Dean’s List and Honor Roll in first and second year. She was also recognized for her positivity and perseverance during challenging times.

Sydney’s journey has been shaped by meaningful personal growth. One of the most important lessons she has learned from her experiences at CapU is that her worth and value is not defined by her successes and achievements, but by the content of her character.

Looking ahead, Sydney plans to continue her education at BCIT, where she hopes to pursue a career in producing and further develop her creative and professional skills. She is excited to build a future that allows her to tell stories and contribute meaningfully to the film industry.

Sydney is deeply grateful to those who supported her along the way, including her therapist Liz Scott, her doctor Susan Matthews, her parents and friends back home, the De La Vega family and her friends Noah, Cole, Franek and Florence.

• Applicant must be eligible to graduate at the next convocation ceremony
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing
• Commit to attend and participate fully in the convocation ceremony, including any rehearsals
• Complete the online application by April 24, 2026 with:  

1.      Contact Information

• Name
• Student ID 
• Email
• Phone
• Program 

2.      Biography: A short bio (200-250 words) of yourself will appear on the Convocation webpage should you be the successful applicant:

• Name
• Program credential you are graduating with
• Highlight any awards received or associations you have participated in during your time at CapU 
• Please share an accomplishment in your studies that you are proud of
• What two lessons have you learned on your journey as a student at CapU?
• Now that you have your credential(s), what are your future ambitions?
• Who would you like to thank for supporting your educational journey?

3.      Video recording of statement of interest describing your engagement with Capilano University and the broader community, personal growth, how you got here, and challenges you’ve faced. Please record your Statement of Interest (maximum 2 mins) to convey how you would present your Convocation speech. This does not need to be your prepared speech but should serve as your introduction to your topic.

4.      Include one letter of reference from staff or faculty and contact information for one other reference we can contact if needed.

5.      Portrait: Be available for an on-campus portrait, Wednesday, May 6.

The Student Speaker Committee will consider the following when making their selection of student speakers: 

• Clarity of ideas and speech content
• Appeal to a broad audience & shared experiences with fellow Capilano University students
• Extent to which the speech reflects the values of CapU
• Speaker’s delivery – well prepared, engaging, vocal variety, animated delivery, stage presence

An engaging and lively convocation address should: 

• Be relatable to other graduands
• Be inspiring in tone and/or message
• Be told in your own voice (authentic)
• Honour the significance of the occasion
• Reflect on the CapU journey (past to present)
• Be a call to action to your fellow graduands (future)

1. Eligible and interested students are required to complete the online application form.
2. The Convocation Student Speaker Committee will review entries and choose student speakers based on the above criteria.
3. The Committee will notify all applicants no later than two weeks after the deadline for submissions.
4. The Committee will send the selected students a speech sample from past years and instructions for their role at convocation.
5. Please note that speeches are limited to three minutes in length (which translates to 400 – 450 words). Student speakers will submit their speech drafts to the convocation team for review three weeks prior to the ceremony. If necessary, selected speakers will work with the University’s Communications team to refine their speech and delivery.

Applications are now closed. Check back in the new year!