University of Regina celebrates the accomplishments of over 2,400 students graduating at the 2025 Spring Convocation

The University of Regina congratulates the 2,440 graduating students who will be receiving 2,613 degrees, diplomas, and certificates at Spring 2025 Convocation ceremonies on June 11, 12, and 13.

“Convocation is a celebration of student achievement, perseverance, and possibilities,” said Dr. Jeff Keshen, U of R President and Vice-Chancellor. “To our graduating students: convocation may have been your destination, but it is not the end of your journey. The University is honoured to have been a part of your post-secondary experience, and we wish you all the best in the future.”

“It is always a pleasure to be a part of convocation and see each and every student cross the stage, growing our alumni family to almost 95,000,” said University of Regina Chancellor Pam Klein. “Your achievements are a testament to your dedication and hard work—take pride in them, and look forward to the promising future ahead. Congratulations to all of the Spring 2025 graduates!”

Several graduates are also being recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments, volunteer service, and involvement in the community. They include:

The Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal is awarded to Dr. Brendan Bishop. Brendan is recognized for his outstanding doctorial research on sourcing rare earth elements from coal waste and lithium from subsurface brines in Western Canada. Graduating with a 92 per cent average, his thesis led to six published articles, including two in Environmental Science & Technology. A recipient of the prestigious NSERC Canada Graduate Doctoral Scholarship, Brendan also enriched the Department of Earth Sciences by founding its student chapter of the Society for Economic Geologists. His supervisor described him as “a once in a career PhD student.”

The Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal, Faculty of Science Dean’s Medal, and University Prize in Science are awarded to Carissa Melnyk. Carissa graduates with a remarkable cumulative GPA of 96.06 per cent. Her academic excellence earned her numerous awards, including the University Medal, multiple Academic Gold and Silver Scholarships, and the Dean of Science Scholarly Achievement Award. She received an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award and served as a research analyst with PATHS Saskatchewan. Carissa also made significant community contributions through volunteer work with the SEARCH Clinic, the Aging, Residents, and Caregivers Research Unit, and the SCEP Centre, while also serving on the RCMP National Youth Advisory Committee.

The President’s Medal and Faculty of Arts Dean’s Medal is awarded to Jeremy Beam. Jeremy is recognized for his academic excellence and exceptional leadership during his undergraduate studies. With a strong record of achievement—including an Undergraduate Research Award and multiple scholarships, he made the Dean’s List several times and received an Academic Silver Scholarship. Jeremy’s honours thesis explored the hegemonic nature of masculinity in film, merging his interests in sociology and media. His campus involvement includes roles as a research and teaching assistant, tour guide, tutor, student representative, and president of the U of R 5 Pin Bowling Club. Beyond campus, he worked 20 hours weekly as a disability support mentor, reflecting a deep commitment to community service.

The University Medal is awarded to Huzaifah Khan. Huzaifah is recognized for achieving outstanding academic excellence during the 2024 – 2025 academic year, earning a sessional GPA of 98.16 per cent while completing 36 credit hours towards a psychology degree in the Faculty of Arts.

Other academic award recipients include:

Brooke Armstrong – SE Stewart Prize in Arts
Amy Johnson – Faculty of Business Administration Dean’s Medal
Luca Machiori – Leon Goldman Award in the Faculty of Business Administration
Braxton Terrance Snell – Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Award
Lauryn Andrew – Bachelor of Education After Degree Prize
Maksim Sharoika – Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Dean’s Medal and U of R Engineering Gold Medal
Donovan Buskey – Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies Dean’s Medal and
University Prize in Kinesiology and Health Studies
Shaira Alejandro Castillo – Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance Dean’s Medal
Maggie Nicole Robertson – W.A. Riddell Award in Media, Art, and Performance
Nychyk Vladyslav – Faculty of Nursing and School of Nursing Dean’s Medal
Bailey Stangel – Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Gold Medal for Excellence in Clinical Practice
Bradley Fraser – Faculty of Social Work Dean’s Medal and University Prize in Social Work

Honorary degrees will also be awarded during convocation to the Honourable Russ Mirasty on June 11, Dr. Jim Tomkins the morning of June 12, the Honourable Dr. Lillian Eva Quan Dyck, OC the afternoon of June 12, and Don Hall on June 13. Separate media releases on each recipient will be issued.

This year’s Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held on June 11 (2 p.m.), 12 (9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.), and 13 (9:30 a.m.) in the Gymnasium in the Centre for Kinesiology & Health Studies. The convocation ceremonies will be livestreamed on the University’s Facebook page. Recordings will also be available for students, family, and friends who are unable to attend in person or watch the livestreams.

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