Congratulations! U of R Celebrates the Graduation of More Than 2,400 Students

Over the next three days, the University will award degrees, diplomas, and certificates to 2,440 graduates—each one representing years of academic effort, personal perseverance, and the support of faculty, staff, friends, and family.

“Convocation is a celebration of student achievement, perseverance, and possibilities,” said Dr. Jeff Keshen, U of R President and Vice-Chancellor during this afternoon’s ceremony. “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.”

Convocation is not only a celebration of individual student achievement, but also a reflection of the strength of the broader University community. Faculty and staff across all faculties, departments, and service areas have helped guide students to this moment—through teaching, mentorship, and support inside and outside the classroom.

Ceremonies begin Wednesday, June 11,at 2:00 p.m. in the Gymnasium in the Centre for Kinesiology & Health Studies on the University’s main campus. Two ceremonies will follow on Thursday, June 12, at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and the final ceremony will take place on Friday, June 13, at 9:30 a.m.

Each ceremony will be livestreamed on the University’s Facebook page. Recordings will also be posted on the Convocation webpage to ensure graduates and supporters can access the celebration regardless of location.

“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 more than 94,000,” 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,” she added.

This spring’s graduating class includes students from across Saskatchewan and around the world. They have distinguished themselves in diverse fields, from the sciences and engineering to social work, education, and the arts. Among them are several recipients of the University’s highest academic awards:

Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal

Dr. Brendan Bishop is recognized for his exceptional doctoral research on critical mineral extraction from coal waste and subsurface brines in Western Canada. Graduating with a 92 per cent average, his thesis resulted in six published articles — including two in Environmental Science & Technology. Bishop also founded the Department of Earth Sciences’ student chapter of the Society for Economic Geologists. His supervisor described him as “a once in a career PhD student.”

Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal, Faculty of Science Dean’s Medal, and University Prize in Science

Carissa Melnyk graduates with a cumulative GPA of 96.06 per cent and an impressive record of academic and community achievement. She received the University Medal, an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award, and numerous other honours. Outside the classroom, she volunteered with the SEARCH Clinic, the SCEP Centre, the Aging, Residents, and Caregivers Research Unit, and served on the RCMP National Youth Advisory Committee.

President’s Medal and Faculty of Arts Dean’s Medal

Jeremy Beam earned recognition for his academic success, leadership, and community involvement. With a strong GPA and several awards — including an Undergraduate Research Award — his honours thesis examined representations of masculinity in film. Jeremy was also active on campus as a tutor, student rep, tour guide, and president of the U of R 5 Pin Bowling Club, while working off-campus as a disability support mentor.

University Medal

Huzaifah Khan earned this award for academic excellence, completing 36 credit hours with a sessional GPA of 98.16 per cent during the 2024–25 academic year.

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
• 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, Bachelor of Social Work, and University Prize in Social Work

Alongside the graduating class, the University of Regina will also honour four outstanding individuals with honorary degrees—the University’s highest honour:

• The Honourable Russ Mirasty, S.O.M., M.S.M., the first Indigenous Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan
• Dr. Jim Tomkins, past University president and long-serving supporter of post-secondary education in Saskatchewan
• The Honourable Dr. Lillian Dyck, O.C., trailblazing neuroscientist and advocate for Indigenous women and youth
• Mr. Don Hall, the University’s longtime photographer, who spent decades chronicling campus life through his lens

Spring Convocation is a time of pride and celebration—for graduates, their families, and the entire campus community. It is also a reminder of the University’s mission: to inspire and support students as they prepare to shape the future.

If you missed the livestream of the Spring 2025 Convocation, a recording of the event is available. Visit the University’s Facebook page for more information.