Langara recognizes the Class of 2023 graduates for their outstanding academic achievements and commitment to community service. The graduate awards were presented at the 2023 Convocation Ceremonies from June 13-15, 2023.
Maksym Besarab, Associate of Science Degree in Health Sciences
Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medal
Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Arts and Science)
Maksym has gained a wealth of skills, experiences, and knowledge while completing the Associate of Science Degree in Health Sciences at Langara. He is honoured to be recognized for these awards and is motivated to continue his academic and professional journey to becoming a medical student, leading to a career as a healthcare professional. He’d like to thank his wife for her support, understanding, and contagious optimism, allowing him to stay focused on his goals. He aims to continue contributing to the community through volunteering with various organizations to be helpful to others along the way.
Karen Christine Carr, Certificate in Health Care Assistant
Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Certificate)
While initially fearful of returning to college at a later stage in life, Karen found that the culture of inclusivity and encouragement of her classmates and faculty provided an environment for success. Thanks to some hard work and her peers and instructors, Karen achieved the highest cumulative grade point average for a student completing a certificate program. Karen will pursue a career as a nurse and will always tell others that you are always young enough to go back to college and change your career. She encourages others to push through the fear as the rewards are worth it.
Willow Thiadora Chown, Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Career)
Willow is graduating from Langara with the highest cumulative grade point average in a two-year career program. She completed the Early Childhood Education program which helped her gain confidence in working with children, making her well-prepared to provide the best possible care to the future generation. Willow was inspired by the lectures about childhood that were delivered with immense knowledge and passion, which motivated her to dig deeper. After gaining further experience as an educator, her goal is to become a licensing officer to ensure that exceptional care is being delivered.
Maggie Ballantyne Conway, Bachelor of Recreation Management
Langara President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Community Service
Maggie is honoured to be the recipient of this award. The recreation management program gave her invaluable skills to serve her community with integrity and passion. She currently works with a government not-for-profit and plans to continue that path, learning more about how to create a safe and inclusive community where all members feel represented. Connecting with others and supporting one another in every aspect of our lives is something that Maggie encourages us all to take the time to do, as it is a truly beautiful experience.
Kevin Lam, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Bachelor’s Degree)
Kevin is graduating from Langara with the highest cumulative grade point average in a bachelor's degree program. He feels grateful and privileged to be recognized for his hard work, dedication, and commitment to his education in the nursing profession. Kevin attributes his success to the support he received from his family, preceptors, and the lifelong friends he made while in the nursing program. Beyond today, Kevin intends to further his education to pursue a career in critical care. He aspires to work as an educator, guiding nursing students in their profession.
Kendra McPhee, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Langara College President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Community Service
Kendra chose Langara’s nursing program because of its good reputation in British Columbia. She received encouragement and support from her friends and instructors that helped her to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, leading to a rewarding career working in the emergency room at the Vancouver General Hospital. She is continuing her education to become a trauma nurse, hoping to work within the northern British Columbia Indigenous communities.
Elena Orlova, Certificate in Social Service Worker
Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion Democracy, and Reconciliation
Elena feels very grateful, honoured, and humbled to be chosen to receive this award. When she began completing the Certificate in Social Service Worker, Elena was a newcomer to Canada and did not feel confident that she would be able to complete the program. With the support of the faculty and inspiration from her friends, she completed the certificate with high grades and gained knowledge, confidence, and a community. She hopes her story inspires others to dream big and work hard towards their goals. Elena is continuing her education, with the goal of completing a master’s degree.
Joshua Nathaniel Zanotto, Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (Co-operative Education)
Langara President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Community Service
During his studies, Joshua acquired many skills, relevant experiences, and valuable life lessons, all of which helped him secure a permanent position at a local company and allow him to excel in the accounting field. In addition to being thankful to his parents for supporting him, he also recognizes the positive impact his many good professors had on his success. Joshua is looking forward to a career where he can continue to positively impact the community.