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

The following students will be honoured at the Fall 2025 Convocation ceremonies on November 18 at the Winspear Centre for Music.

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 Sahiba Pahwa.

SAHIBA PAHWA
Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences

As a preschool educator, I witnessed the challenges that children and their families face in receiving timely medical diagnoses, often due to limited resources, access or awareness. That sparked my passion to advocate for vulnerable populations and led me to MacEwan. A Bachelor of Science was my first step in helping to bridge those gaps by pursuing a career in pediatric care.

My first semester was incredibly challenging. I was passionate about biology and its ability to reveal the inner workings of the human body, but it had been 11 years since I had studied science. The support at MacEwan, incredible professors who genuinely wanted to see me grow, and smaller class sizes enabled me to overcome those challenges and excel.

Beyond my interest in pediatric care, studying biological sciences provided me with opportunities to engage with global issues, including research on antibiotic resistance. My independent study project explored alternatives to antibiotics, and with guidance and support from Dr. Benjamin Bourrie, I continued my research with a Summer Research Studentship, supported by Alberta Innovates.

Completing my degree in just 2.5 years wasn’t easy. I had to find a balance between my work as a preschool educator, volunteering in a neonatal intensive care unit, supporting outreach programs for public schools, acting as a peer mentor, conducting my own research and taking care of my personal well-being. It was tiring at times, and there were moments when I questioned if I could keep up, but those challenges taught me resilience and discipline. On the most difficult days, the unwavering support of my partner, Vivek Chawla, kept me grounded and motivated. 

Ultimately, my time at MacEwan taught me that leadership is less about titles and more about supporting others, fostering collaboration and inspiring those around you to achieve their best.

I am currently applying to medical school with the goal of caring and advocating for children and families. In the meantime, I continue to support children as an educator and volunteer, gaining experience and insight that will guide me in my future career.

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.

Faculty of Arts and Science
Casey James Riess, Bachelor of Science

Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications
Alexis Rae Thordarson, Bachelor of Communication Studies
Tamara Rae Burch, Arts and Cultural Management Diploma

Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Kristin Wong, Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration
Rochelle Martin, Hearing Aid Practitioner Diploma

Faculty of Nursing
Dongmi Paek, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Shibi Varghese, Bridge to Canadian Nursing Certificate

School of Business
Eidrian Neil Enriquez, Bachelor of Commerce
Alden Emerson Ern Tan, Business Management Diploma

School of Continuing Education
Adri Strydhorst, Office Assistant Certificate