Graduation Award Recipients

Julia Ann Bodnar, Associate of Science Degree in Chemistry 

Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Arts and Science) 

Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medal 

Julia is honoured to receive these two awards and be recognized for her academic effort and accomplishment. In completing the Chemistry program, Julia gained fundamental critical thinking, writing, and technical skills that will serve her throughout her future academic and professional pursuits. She will look back fondly on the incredible kindness, intelligence, and fun spirit of her peers and instructors, all of whom contributed to an enriching college experience. With plans to continue exploring the various fields of Chemistry at university, Julia hopes to use her education to make a positive impact on those around her. She wishes to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support throughout her studies. To future students who may feel uncertain about beginning their post-secondary journey, Julia encourages them to embrace their curiosity and find the fun in their classes.  

Mike Wu, Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics 

Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Bachelor’s Degree) 

Mike is thrilled and grateful to be recognized for his achievements and sees this award as the perfect culmination to his academic journey at Langara. Mike is appreciative of the opportunities he’s had to work on various projects with different instructors through the Applied Research Centre. These experiences have prepared him to begin the next step in his academic career: pursuing a PhD in Bioinformatics at UBC starting in Fall 2025 where he plans to build on his Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics, studying metabolomics. Mike would like to express his sincerest gratitude to his instructors for their mentorship throughout his studies, noting they are the best teachers he's ever had! Appreciation is also extended to his bioinformatics cohort for their steadfast support. 

Hiu Yan (Hilda) Chow, Certificate in Early Childhood Education 

Langara College Excellence Award (Certificate) 

While Hilda’s initial reaction to receiving this award was disbelief, she sees it as a reminder that finding our passions and enjoying the process of pursuing knowledge can lead to success. With her studies now completed, Hilda is already working in the field of early childhood education and feels that her time at Langara empowered her with the knowledge and experience to take on any challenge with confidence. As she continues to develop her skills through working, her future plans include continuing her studies to complete a Post-Basic credential. Hilda credits the support of her instructors and the Langara community for helping her succeed and is grateful for their encouragement. Hilda would like to extend special thanks to her husband who took on a larger role at home so that she could be free to pursue her studies. 

Jodi Heather Appleton, Bachelor of Recreation Management 

President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Community Service 

Jodi is proud to be chosen as a recipient of this award. As a mature part-time student, she’s worked hard to balance caring for her family and working full-time while completing her studies. Jodi believes the extensive knowledge she has gained through her studies in Recreation will support her current work with the Township of Esquimalt. There, she enjoys the opportunity to help people create special memories at a beautiful public facility. Now that her school responsibilities are complete, she looks forward to pursuing her own recreation interests and contributing to her community through volunteer work. Jodi thanks her husband, Andrew, and sons, Malcom and Eric, who supported her throughout this journey. The pursuit of her dream was made possible because of their love and encouragement.  

Nicole Catherine Chiu, Diploma in Early Childhood Education 

Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Career) 

Nicole is both grateful and thrilled to receive this award, which comes unexpectedly for her. Having been educated in a more traditional system, the Early Childhood Education program at Langara showed Nicole a new way of educating that resonates closely with her own values and personality. She was encouraged to see that the program embodies the principle of service to community, a value she believes in strongly herself. She will forever cherish the memories made outside the classroom, the fun and laughter, and all the opportunities she had to let her inner child shine. Already working in her field, Nicole looks forward to forming further connections in her community. She would like to thank her instructors who inspired her to always show up with an open heart, and encourages her fellow grads to give love and kindness in abundance, in any way that you can. 

Tavia Carlina Waiz, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Community Service 

Tavia is honoured to receive this award, which serves as recognition of the support she provided to her fellow nursing students through tutoring and mentorship. As a newly registered nurse who is currently working in post-operative care at Peace Arch Hospital, she takes pride in her title and strives to provide the best possible care to her patients. She believes the Nursing program at Langara has prepared her well for practice and is grateful to have a fulfilling career that offers countless opportunities to help others. Already in a nursing position that she enjoys, Tavia’s future plans include obtaining a master’s degree and becoming a nurse educator. She attributes her success to numerous faculty members who encouraged and guided her to become the best nurse possible, and to her parents for their support throughout the program.

Nikko Palomares Quinonez, Post-Degree Diploma in Business Administration 

Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation 

As a proud Filipino and member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, being recognized with this award reinforces Nikko’s commitment to serve and uplift his communities. Nikko exemplifies that inclusion, democracy, and reconciliation aren’t just big words or special events, they’re ongoing efforts that live in our daily actions. Nikko highlights volunteering with VOLT as having a profound impact on his growth and success, providing him with opportunities to be involved with initiatives that brought people together, and to serve the campus community in meaningful ways. He is incredibly thankful for the constant support of his parents, relatives, and closest friends. Nikko plans to apply the business administration knowledge he learned to eventually move into a managerial position with his current employer. He reminds us that we all have the power to help someone feel like they belong. 

Sophie Ann Richards, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management 

President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Community Service 

Sophie receives this award with gratitude and sees it as a reflection of the growth she has experienced during her studies. Though her initial plan was to complete a diploma with Langara and move on, Sophie quickly realized that the learning environment, supportive instructors, and vibrant community made it the right place for her to grow academically. This motivated her to continue her studies at Langara and complete the BBA program. Now feeling confident and prepared to face future challenges, Sophie is excited to start the next chapter in her journey, which includes her first post-degree job in marketing. Sophie would like to thank the countless instructors and peers who have contributed to her educational success. Their encouragement, mentorship, and belief in her potential will always be remembered.