The University of Regina is celebrating the accomplishments of 2,452 graduating students who will be awarded 2,645 degrees, diplomas, and certificates at this week's 2026 Spring Convocation ceremonies. 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."
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:
The Governor General's Academic Gold Medal will be awarded to Regan Glennis Toni (Master of Social Work). 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.
The Governor General's Academic Silver Medal and University Prize in Science will be awarded to Vanna Hung (Bachelor of Science in Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology Concentration with Great Distinction). Graduating with a 97.45 per cent average, Hung combined exceptional academic achievement with research and service. A Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada 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.
The President's Medal and Faculty of Arts Dean's Medal will be awarded to Nimra Burki, (Bachelor of Arts in Human Justice with Great Distinction). 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.
The University Medal will be awarded to Eshaal Rabiya (Bachelor of Science in Psychology). A Chancellor's Scholar and Campion College student, 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 & 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)
- Faculty of Social Work Dea 0n's Medal and University Prize in Social Work -- Darla Clancy (Faculty of Social Work)
The University of Regina will also confer Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees upon Mr. Sol and Mrs. Elsie Sanderson, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, and Dr. Bob Steadward.
"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!"
This year's Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held on June 17 (2 p.m.), 18 (9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.), and 19 (9:30 a.m.) in the Gymnasium in the Centre for Kinesiology & Health Studies. The ceremonies will also be livestreamed on the University's YouTube channel. Recordings will also be available for students, family, and friends who are unable to attend in person or watch the livestreams.
