Each year, MacEwan University honours members of our graduating classes with awards for outstanding academic achievement and commitment to building their campus community.

Here are the students who will be honoured at the Spring 2025 Convocation ceremonies.

President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Student Leadership

The President’s Medal recognizes students for their exemplary combination of academic achievement and contribution to the betterment of MacEwan University. Recipients of this medal demonstrate the best qualities of a MacEwan student by maintaining a high grade point average while demonstrating leadership through active participation in university-wide committees, groups, organizations or extra-curricular activities. This year’s President’s Medal is awarded to Reyna Parikh. 

A woman stands in front of a background of mountains and a valley with a river

REYNA PARIKH
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Student Leadership

My time at MacEwan has been quite a journey – one marked by late nights, endless coffee and a constant balancing act. As a nursing student juggling shift work at the hospital, volunteering in the community, participating in research and working on campus, there were moments when it felt like I was barely keeping up. But it was in those very moments that I experienced the most growth. And, with the support of my professors, the student experience team and mentors, I not only got through it – I thrived. 

Leadership isn’t about having it all together – it’s about showing up, asking for help and committing to a purpose bigger than yourself. I’m deeply grateful to MacEwan for shaping not just my education but also my character. This place gave me the space to discover who I am and who I hope to become. Plus, the small class sizes, the tight-knit community and the warm, welcoming atmosphere made me feel at home every day. 

I’ve had some of the best times and made lifelong friends during my clinical placements at MacEwan. One of my favourite memories is from year two with a clinical group that quickly became like family. We had a 9 p.m. “happy hour” to gather and sip iced ginger ale, to share laughter and unwind after long days. Volunteering with the MacEwan Ambassadors gave me a real sense of community as well. 

My mom has been my greatest support throughout my nursing journey. Her unwavering  belief in me has carried me through the hardest days. 

I came to MacEwan to become a nurse, but I’m leaving as a leader. Nursing is so much more than a profession – it’s a calling grounded in service, empathy and strength. I’m incredibly proud of the clinical expertise I’ve gained, which has allowed me to achieve my dream of becoming an intensive care unit nurse.

Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

The Dean’s Medal is each faculty or school’s highest academic honour. Each dean may award one medal to a graduating student in a certificate or diploma program and one medal to a graduating student in a degree program. Medal recipients are recognized by the dean of their faculty for their exemplary success in meeting the learning challenges and academic requirements of their programs of study.

Governor General Medal – Silver

The Governor General’s Silver Medal is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall academic standing based on their Graduation Grade Point Average (GGPA) in a degree-level program. This medal is awarded at Spring Convocation. 

Governor General Medal – Bronze

The Collegiate Bronze medal is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall academic standing based on their Graduation Grade Point Average (GGPA) in a diploma-level program (minimum two-year, full-time duration). This medal is awarded at Spring Convocation.

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