Previous Ceremonies
Direct link: https://www.vcc.ca/convocation/previous-ceremonies/#q-9379824
Vancouver Community College (VCC) is proud to celebrate the graduation of students on Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in the presence of family and friends.
Degrees, diplomas, and certificates were awarded to the following areas:
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
- School of Trades, Technology and Design
- School of Arts and Sciences
- Centre for Continuing Studies
- Division of Library, Teaching and Learning Services
This fall’s valedictorian was Davena Isaac. As an Indigenous student and graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at VCC, Davena wanted to bring a culturally competent and safe lens to the health care field.
We’d like to thank all friends and family who came to support our grads on this important day. Watch the full video highlights to relive the moment of this special milestone >
Official photos
All VCC graduates can view and download photos of the day online through the Flickr album. Please also tag your photos on Instagram with #VCCGrads for a chance to be featured on @myVCC’s feed! Congratulations grads!
Stay in touch! Once a part of the VCC family, always a part of the VCC family. Learn more about the perks and benefits you now receive as a VCC Alum >
Direct link: https://www.vcc.ca/convocation/previous-ceremonies/#q-9171724
Vancouver Community College was proud to celebrate the hard work, success, and dedication of 1,637 graduates this Spring 2023 convocation on Thursday, June 22 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Following tradition, the Coastal Wolfpack (Tsatsu Staqayu) led the processional to open the formal ceremony.
In his address, VCC president and CEO Ajay Patel expressed words of encouragement as graduands began this new chapter of their lives.
“It is not always easy, but I encourage you to engage in open and honest conversations, challenge assumptions, and seek diverse perspectives,” he said. “Wear your VCC pride like a badge of honour, for it will continue to propel you towards greatness.”
Similarly, this year's valedictorian Ash Brar inspired and shared his heartfelt story with the class of 2023:
“VCC is not just a gateway to opportunity; it is also a platform for personal development. It embodies accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity. This institution is where dreams flourish, talents are nurtured, and visions become reality. Let us carry forward this commitment by removing barriers and advocating for education that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all.
"Let us move forward fearlessly in our quest for greatness, unwavering in our commitment to our community, and proud of the unique identities that VCC shaped within us.”
Degrees, diplomas, and certificates were awarded to the following areas:
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
- School of Trades, Technology and Design
- School of Arts and Sciences
- Centre for Continuing Studies
- Division of Library and Teaching and Learning Services
Watch the video highlights of the day >
Congratulations to our VCC grads! Learn about the perks and benefits you now receive as VCC alumni.
Direct link: https://www.vcc.ca/convocation/previous-ceremonies/#q-8073295
Vancouver Community College (VCC) was proud to celebrate the hard work and achievements of 1,663 graduates in a convocation ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Tuesday, June 28.
Following numerous online ceremonies held during the COVID-19 pandemic, the college community was thrilled to attend this first in-person convocation event since Fall 2019.
To open the ceremony, graduands and guests were treated to processional music by the Coastal Wolf Pack (Tsatsu Stalqayu) while VCC Elder in Residence Deanna George welcomed everyone the to traditional xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories.
In another special moment, Squamish artist Aaron Nelson-Moody, (Tawx’sin Yexwulla/Splashing Eagle) unveiled VCC’s new Indigenous-designed podium representing decolonization of the concept of “lectern.” Consisting of three figures representing traditional talking sticks supporting a circular top, reflective of the talking circle, it reminds us of the importance and value of everyone’s voice.
Recognizing milestones
This particular group of grads represents many unique achievements, as most students completed their full programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another milestone celebrated quietly by the VCC community during pandemic restrictions was the installation of Ajay Patel as college president in Spring 2020. To finally share this occasion with the community, VCC Board of Governors Vice Chair Libby Davies presented Ajay with VCC’s presidential regalia while the official ceremony video played.
Inspiring #VCCGrads
In his own address, Ajay expressed admiration for the diversity of this graduating class and offered some heartfelt encouragement.
“Like many of you, I am an immigrant to Canada. I understand the challenges and sacrifices you made to get here. My grandfather gave me advice that I live by to this day. He said, ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression, but make sure that first impression is the real you.’ Trust that the real you is more than good enough.”
Valedictorian and Culinary Arts grad Joy Rudder shared her own story of overcoming hesitation and fear in changing careers later in life, crediting VCC’s warm and welcoming faculty for her success.
“I’d stepped into a world that was so extremely positive! It came as a surprise. The world outside is not usually like this. But here was a world of possibilities with everyone intent on making sure I would succeed – and not just me, but every student who signed on, whatever their field of study and training.”
Valedictorian and Culinary Arts grad Joy Rudder and VCC's new talking-circle podium
Degrees, diplomas, and certificates were awarded to the following areas:
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
- School of Trades, Technology and Design
- School of Arts and Sciences
- Centre for Continuing Studies
- Division of Library and Teaching and Learning Services
The Spring 2022 ceremony also celebrated the first students graduating in three new programs: Business and Project Management, Nail Technology, and VR/AR Design and Development.
Missed the event or want to relive the moments? Watch the full ceremony here.
See more photos on VCC's Flickr page >
Congratulations to our VCC grads! Learn about the perks and benefits you now receive as VCC alumni.
Direct link: https://www.vcc.ca/convocation/previous-ceremonies/#q-7899143
Vancouver Community College (VCC) was proud to celebrate the hard work, commitment, and excellence of 1,292 graduates in an online convocation ceremony held on Thursday, Nov. 18. The event was conducted on Zoom and live streamed for family, friends, and the community.
Guests were welcomed to traditional and unceded xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territory by Elder Deanna George, and treated to a performance by Squamish musicians Spakwus Slolem (Eagle Song Dancers).
Following a beautiful rendition of O Canada by VCC alumna Elaine Shepherd, VCC president and CEO Ajay Patel addressed the graduating class with a challenging message:
“As you enter the working world as VCC graduates, my first challenge for you is to use your learning for good – fight racism and discrimination and stand for fairness and kindness. Our path to healing and reconciliation requires all of us committing to learning about our shared past, listening to Indigenous truths, and working respectfully together for a just, equitable, and inclusive future.”
VCC’s Fall 2021 valedictorian Vanvisa Sataglamp then addressed the audience, sharing memories of her program and encouragement for her fellow graduates. Next, the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation was presented to Gladue Report Writing graduate Courtney Copoc, and the Governor General’s Academic Medal was presented to practical nursing graduate Emily Caudle. Finally, an inspirational alumni address was delivered by Chef Laura Dawe:
“You now have the tools to steer your careers upwards, no matter what life throws your way. Continue to work hard and remain focused on your goals. Let your passion for your field guide you. But most of all, enjoy yourself along the way.”
Degrees, diplomas, and certificates were awarded to the following areas:
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
- School of Trades, Technology and Design
- School of Arts and Sciences
- Continuing Studies
- Library and Teaching & Learning Services
Missed the event or want to relive the moments? See videos below:
- Presentation of graduates
- Zoom Room 1 - School of Trades, Technology, and Design, School of Arts and Sciences (including Music), and Centre for Continuing Studies, School of Hospitality, Food Studies, and Applied Business
- Zoom Room 2 - School of Health Sciences and School of Instructor Education
Congratulations to our VCC grads! Learn about the perks and benefits you now receive as VCC alumni.
Direct link: https://www.vcc.ca/convocation/previous-ceremonies/#q-7217538
Vancouver Community College (VCC) was proud to celebrate the hard work, commitment, and excellence of 1,488 graduands in an online Spring 2021 convocation ceremony on Thursday, June 24.
Guests were welcomed with a greeting, prayer, and territorial acknowledgment from Elder Deanna George, followed by a performance from ‘The Coastal Wolfpack.’
In the wake of recent tragic news and events surrounding Canada's Indian Residential Schools, this spring, VCC took the time to reflect on the collective work we all need to do to support the healing of Indigenous communities.
The event was conducted on Zoom and live streamed for friends and family of the graduands. Separate Zoom rooms were set up to recognize students from the different Schools.
Degrees, diplomas, and certificates were awarded to the following areas:
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
- School of Trades, Technology and Design
- School of Arts and Sciences
- Continuing Studies
- Library and Teaching & Learning Services
Graduands received messages of congratulations from Anne Kang, B.C. Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, as well as Jenny Kwan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver East.
Following remarks from the Board of Governors as well as VCC president Ajay Patel, valedictorian Vanessa Anderson addressed the graduating class of 2021 with words of wisdom, courage, and inspiration.
Vanessa Anderson
As we move forward onto the next chapters of our lives, it is important to remember that it is only through this change and uncertainty we are able to break down the barriers holding us back and become the incredible people we are meant to be.
Outstanding alumnus and president of Craftsman Collision Rick Hatswell welcomed the graduates to the alumni family and shared his wisdom with the group:
Rick Hatswell
Never be afraid of change. Be open to possibility because you never know what is waiting for you if you're ready to accept it.
Missed the event or want to relive the moments? See videos below:
- Presentation of graduates
- Zoom Room 1 - School of Trades, Technology, and Design, School of Arts and Sciences (including Music), School of Instructor Education, School of Health Sciences, and Centre for Continuing Studies
- Zoom Room 2 - School of Hospitality, Food Studies, and Applied Business
Congratulations to our VCC grads! Learn about the perks and benefits you now receive as VCC alumni.
Direct link: https://www.vcc.ca/convocation/previous-ceremonies/#q-7215225
Vancouver Community College (VCC) held its first online convocation ceremony on December 1 to honour the hard work, resilience, creativity, and success of 2,600 students from both Spring and Fall 2020.
The virtual graduation ceremony began with a territorial acknowledgment from Elder Deanna George, followed by O Canada performed by VCC music alumna Caitlin Toom, and a musical performance from M’Girl. The event was conducted on Zoom and streamed on Facebook Live for friends and family of the graduands. Separate Zoom rooms were set up to recognize students from the different Schools.
Degrees, diplomas, and certificates were awarded to the following areas:
- School of Trades, Technology and Design
- School of Arts and Sciences
- Library and Teaching & Learning Services
- School of Health Sciences
- Continuing Studies
- School of Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
This ceremony also marked an important milestone for VCC as Ajay Patel was formally announced as the college’s president and CEO. Messages of congratulations to the graduands from Melanie Mark, B.C. Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, as well as Jenny Kwan, Member of Parliament, Vancouver East, followed.
Daniel Park, graduate from the Professional Cook program, was presented with the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Award for his extensive work in multiple restaurants around the world. Cosmetology graduate Haruka Onishi was awarded with the Governor General’s Academic Medal for achieving the highest grade point average.
As VCC’s Fall 2020 valedictorian, Medical Office Assistant graduate Charmaine Paragas addressed the Class of 2020 with words of wisdom, courage, and inspiration.
“Never let anyone dictate what you can and cannot do or achieve. Instead, I urge you to take those suggestions and turn it into the energy you need to set higher goals, to push yourselves further, and that will lead you to become the best version of yourself.”
VCC Hairstyling and Design alumna Loni Yee, owner of The Collective Beauty Studio which donates ponytails for the charity initiative Wigs for Kids BC, closed out the ceremony by addressing this year’s graduating class with the message:
"Many of you may have heard that 2020 is not a year to consider what you want, but to be appreciative of what you have. Please be kind, work hard, and success will come naturally."
Congratulations to our 2020 VCC graduates! Learn about the perks and benefits you now receive as VCC alumni.
Missed the event or want to relive the moments? See videos below:
- General presentations
- Presentation of graduates
- Zoom Room 1 - School of Trades, Technology, and Design, School of Arts and Sciences (including Music), School of Instructor Education
- Zoom Room 2 - School of Health Sciences, Centre for Continuing Studies
- Zoom Room 3 - School of Hospitality, Food Studies, and Applied Business