2026 Spring Convocation - Celebration of Achievement, Community, and Lifelong Connections

The University of Regina community comes together this week to celebrate one of the most meaningful milestones in a student’s academic journey, graduation. Spring Convocation 2026 will also recognize outstanding student achievement and honour four individuals whose leadership and service have had a profound impact on Saskatchewan, Canada, and the world.

The ceremonies take place in the Main Gym of the Centre for Kinesiology, Health, and Sport, where four ceremonies will recognize the accomplishments of 2,452 graduates who will collectively receive 2,645 degrees, diplomas, and certificates. These newest members of the University’s alumni family join a growing community of more than 97,000 graduates making a difference across Saskatchewan and beyond.

“Convocation marks both an ending and a beginning,” said Dr. Jeff Keshen, University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor. “It is a chance to reflect on and celebrate the past accomplishments of our graduates over the course of their programs, but also to look forward to how our graduates will use their education to change lives in the future. We are equally proud to recognize our honorary degree recipients whose leadership, service, and vision demonstrate the many ways individuals can make a meaningful difference in the world.”

“It’s great to see our campus filled with excited graduates, proud family members, and supportive friends and colleagues during Convocation,” said University Chancellor Cadmus Delorme. “It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance to get here. Congratulations to all of our graduates on this huge accomplishment!” 

All ceremonies will be livestreamed on the University’s YouTube channel, and recordings of each ceremony will be posted on YouTube for graduates, family members, and friends who are unable to attend in person.

Honorary degrees recognize exceptional leadership

The Spring Convocation will also see the University of Regina confer Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees upon Dr. Bob Steadward, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, and Sol and Elsie Sanderson.

Dr. Bob Steadward is an internationally recognized pioneer of the Paralympic movement whose leadership transformed opportunities for athletes with disabilities around the world. As founding president of the International Paralympic Committee and founder of The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement, his work has helped advance accessibility, inclusion, and excellence in sport.

The Honourable Ralph Goodale has devoted more than five decades to public service. A former federal cabinet minister, Regina’s longest-serving member of parliament, and Canada's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, he has been a steadfast advocate for Saskatchewan and Canada throughout his distinguished career.

Sol and Elsie Sanderson have dedicated their lives to strengthening Indigenous governance, education, and community well-being. Together, they have played foundational roles in advancing First Nations institutions, preserving traditional knowledge, and creating opportunities for future generations.

Honouring excellence across campus

Convocation is also an opportunity to celebrate students whose academic achievement, leadership, and commitment embody the highest ideals of the University of Regina.

Among those being recognized are four recipients of the University's most prestigious student awards:

Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal

Regan Glennis Toni, Master of Social Work
Regan Toni’s research examined the relationship individuals in recovery have with their substance of choice. Graduating with a 92.4 per cent average, she balanced her studies with work as a social worker, single parenthood, and community involvement. Her supervisor described her thesis as being of a quality typically found at the doctoral level.

Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal and University Prize in Science

Vanna Hung, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology Concentration with Great Distinction
Graduating with a 97.45 per cent average, Vanna Hung combined exceptional academic achievement with research and service. A Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) summer research student, she also served as an ambassador leader, teaching assistant, and volunteer. Hung is also the recipient of the University Prize in Science.

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

Nimra Burki, Bachelor of Arts in Human Justice with Great Distinction
Nimra Burki completed her degree with a 90.48 per cent average while demonstrating outstanding leadership and community engagement. As president of the UR Restorative Justice Club, she fostered meaningful volunteer opportunities and supported numerous community organizations. Her commitment to advocacy and restorative justice exemplifies the spirit of the President’s Medal.

University Medal

Eshaal Rabiya, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
A Chancellor’s Scholar and Campion College student, Eshaal Rabiya has maintained a 97.14 per cent average while pursuing research into pain assessment for individuals with dementia. Alongside her academic excellence, she volunteers at Regina General Hospital and with Canadian Blood Services, reflecting a strong commitment to service and research.

Other academic award recipients being honoured during Spring Convocation include:

S.E. Stewart Prize in Arts — Alissa Sadler (Faculty of Arts, Luther College)

Hill Levene School of Business Dean's Medal and Leon Goldman Scholarship — Arden Labatt (Hill Levene School of Business)

Faculty of Education Dean's Medal and Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation Award — Emma Metz (Faculty of Education)

Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science Dean's Medal — Emily Frostad (Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science)

President Donald O. Wells Medal in Engineering — Carson Leischner (Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science)

Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies Dean's Medal and University Prize in Kinesiology and Health Studies — Dylan Sies (Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies)

Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance Dean's Medal — Solveig Hovdestad (Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance)

W.A. Riddell Award in Media, Art, and Performance — Samantha Liamzon (Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance)

Faculty of Nursing and School of Nursing Deans’ Medal — Sara Kozan (Faculty of Nursing)

College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan Gold Medal for Excellence in Clinical Practice — Madison White (Faculty of Nursing)

Faculty of Science Dean’s Medal — Aamina Tauqeer (Faculty of Science)