We’re so proud of the more than 2,600 people who earned the privilege of walking across the stage at the university’s Spring Convocation ceremonies, including close to 700 from the Triffo School of Business.

Topaz Davis

Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resources Management

I worked for years in the administration department at a dialysis centre in the Bahamas, so I decided to pursue a degree in office administration. But I never really felt satisfied with it. My colleagues were always coming to me for help with employee-related issues, and I was always happy to help. Back then, I had no idea that human resources management was a specialized field of interest. I just knew that I wanted to continue excelling academically and that I was interested in an international university experience.

So when my sister-in-law, who was already living in Canada with my brother, shared a Facebook post about a fair for international post-secondary opportunities, I decided to go. MacEwan stood out to me and I applied.

But travelling from an island and adjusting to big city life was challenging. My mom encouraged me to keep doing my best, told me how proud she was that I was the first in my family to complete my bachelor’s degree and reminded me every day that she believed in me and knew I would finish strong.

Looking back, my first and last semesters really defined my time at MacEwan. I was afraid I didn’t have what it takes to succeed internationally, but I proved myself wrong in my first semester, achieving a GPA of 3.675. And taking an introductory human resources course really confirmed my interest in helping employees and my desire to make a positive impact on workplaces and culture.

In my final semester, capstone courses, group projects and work-integrated learning assignments made everything seem 10 times harder, and I felt like giving up. But to my surprise, I succeeded again. I defied my own odds and finished my final term with a 3.925 GPA. And working in so many different groups taught me a lot of patience and the importance of teamwork and honesty.

Next, I would like to earn my designation as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and, eventually, pursue my master’s degree.

Kimberly Espartero

Business Management Diploma

I started as an accounting student at NAIT, but didn't like the course, so I took a few years off to think about life. At 26, I decided to try again and enrolled as a part-time student at MacEwan while working full-time. Balancing work, school and personal life was challenging, but I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.

I think my passion stems from being the daughter of an immigrant. I wanted to graduate to make my parents proud. My family was my inspiration to keep going – especially my dad. He sacrificed a lot to bring us to Canada and give us a better chance at life. I wanted to return that by finishing my schooling.

It wasn’t easy, but with the support of my friends and my fiancé, I did it. Most of my courses were online, and I hadn’t been to an in-person class in years, so meeting new people was nerve-wracking for me. Fortunately, my class was very nice and my professor, Frank Saccucci, made it welcoming and fun.

Through all of these experiences, I learned that you don’t always have to feel motivated or confident to start something. My motto is, “Do it scared, do it tired, but do it anyway.”

I am currently taking a year off, but I am planning to pursue my degree. I dream of owning my own business someday, or at least leading a team, and using my skills to make a difference in people's work experience.

Jashan Ghuman

Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting

Balancing school with my co-op experience in accounting really defined my time at MacEwan. It was challenging at first to adjust to the fast-paced professional environment while managing coursework, but it helped me grow both personally and professionally. I gained confidence, improved my time-management skills and developed a better understanding of the career path I want to pursue.

One of the highlights of my academic experience was a strategic management course, which focused heavily on group projects and collaboration. The course had tight deadlines and required strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills throughout the semester. Working closely with my group allowed me to learn how to manage different perspectives, stay organized under pressure and apply business concepts to real-world situations. It was a challenging but rewarding experience that helped prepare me for professional environments.

Looking back, my time at MacEwan has been a mix of learning, adjustment and growth. One of the biggest lessons for me has been how important it is to stay organized and manage your time as things gradually get busier. Realizing how quickly things can pile up if you fall a bit behind pushed me to stay on top of things consistently.

Now, I’m continuing to build on my accounting experience and gain more hands-on exposure in audit and assurance. I’m looking forward to learning more in a professional setting and continuing to improve my skills along the way. Long term, I hope to grow into a well-rounded accountant and take on more responsibility in my work.

Julie Hurd

Bachelor of Commerce, Management

I had always been interested in pursuing a business degree, but went in a different direction when I first attended college. A few years after moving to Edmonton, I enrolled in Open Studies at MacEwan, and eventually applied to the Bachelor of Commerce program.

As a mature student, I was very fortunate to have many great professors who were willing to assist me in my academic journey. Dr. Leanne Hedberg, who taught ORGA 312 Entrepreneurship, really stood out. In her first semester of teaching, she created a class that was welcoming and adaptive to the variety of students she had, and it was very evident that she cared deeply about creating a positive learning environment. The class was also very interesting, featuring various presenters who provided real-life experience and insights into the topics.

I was surprised to find that my favourite academic experiences were in my statistics classes. Initially, I didn't think I would enjoy the class much, but I found it really interesting and have even debated pursuing a second degree with a focus on applied statistics.

Right now, I am continuing in my current role as a sport consultant with the Government of Alberta. I know that my education will help me further my career, whether in my current role or whatever comes next.

Kiran Kandhola

Paralegal Studies Diploma

When I started university, I didn’t think I was smart enough to pursue legal studies, even though I was really interested in the law. During my second year in the business program, I struggled with motivation and felt like I lacked a sense of purpose. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t where I wanted to be, but I didn’t know what path to follow. As a result, I ended up on academic probation. At the time, I just didn't have it in me to push harder.

Everything changed when I decided to take a spring philosophy course. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it completely shifted my perspective on life. It helped me rethink my goals, my dreams, and the person I wanted to become. A second philosophy course on existentialism challenged me to think about purpose, meaning and identity. Those two classes helped me develop a stronger sense of self and gave me the confidence to move forward without fear.

I began working harder and was accepted into the Paralegal Studies program. From the moment I started, I loved it. I joined the Law Club, and while many discussions focused on law school and future legal careers, I felt comfortable and supported within that community. For the first time, I had no doubts about my direction. I knew that if I worked hard and believed in myself, I would end up where I was meant to be.

I am already working at a law firm here in Edmonton, and I hope to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible. While I am not planning to return to school right away, I haven't ruled it out. For now, I am grateful to have completed my degree, secured a job and reached a point that once felt very far away. I'm excited to see where life takes me next.

Minaal Masood

Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resources Management

I grew up in Fort McMurray and really value the sense of belonging in close-knit communities. That’s what led me to MacEwan.

I’m a people person, and I really value making sure everyone feels safe and secure wherever they end up, so combining human resources with a legal studies minor felt like the right fit. My long-term goal in my career – and my life – is to create a positive impact. I want to help people, whether that is through law or any other direction my career takes me. I want to live every day knowing I made a positive, helpful impact on someone's life.

The highlight of my time at MacEwan was definitely spending the Fall 2024 semester in Helsinki, Finland. Studying abroad was a life-changing experience that allowed me to combine travelling the world with my education, immerse myself in a different culture and meet the most amazing people.

And there were amazing people at MacEwan, too. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the incredible professors, the support of MacEwan International, and all the loved ones who stood alongside me during my degree and made my university experience so special.

My parents are a huge inspiration. Without them, I would not be the happy graduate I am today. During moments of stress or uncertainty, they always comforted me and reminded me that everything always works out. Seeing how far they’ve come reassures me that I will go so far too.

Receiving the Students' Association of MacEwan University's Student of the Year Award felt like the perfect way to wrap up my last semester at MacEwan. It felt as if all the work I had put into my studies and my involvement in extracurricular activities on campus was acknowledged and appreciated. It encapsulates my time at MacEwan as a whole, and I am forever thankful for it.

Sairah Mohammad

Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting

When I was 16 and back home preparing for my secondary education exams in Lahore, Pakistan, we were given three course package options: pure sciences, computer science or commerce. I strongly disliked the sciences, so commerce felt like the only viable choice. And after my first accounting class, everything just clicked. It made sense in a way no other subject had, and felt like something I was meant to do.

I started university already feeling behind after taking a gap year, and needed to finish my undergraduate studies as quickly as possible. So I worked toward completing my degree in three years and fitting in as many experiences as I could.

Volunteering at the MacEwan University Accounting Club Tax Clinic was incredibly rewarding and showed me how to apply my accounting knowledge in a real-world setting to help others. A project in my international business course with students from universities around the world led me to make friends at the University of Navarra and the University of South Wales. My exchange semester in Nagasaki, Japan, and a business study tour to Paris helped me develop intercultural communication skills and a broader perspective on business and life. And my time as a buddy for international students and then a resource assistant with Education Abroad really pushed me outside of my comfort zone.

Over time, I realized that education isn’t a race; everyone reaches the finish line in their own time. It’s important to slow down and enjoy the journey. That lesson has stayed with me.

Now, I plan to pursue my CPA designation and spend a few years working in the industry. In the long term, I would love to return to academia as a professor. I was inspired by many of my own professors and hope to support and guide future students as they work toward their goals.

Kianna Lynn Rauscher

Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting

Both sides of my family were farmers, and my mom was the first of her family to attend university. When I told my grandparents my plan to get my degree in accounting, then my master's in accounting, and finally my chartered professional accountant (CPA) designation, my grandpa was so impressed.

Throughout my undergraduate years, he kept telling me that he couldn’t wait to see me as a CPA. His certainty in my success was often what I needed to stay motivated. He passed away at the end of my second-last semester at MacEwan, three days before my first final exam.

That same year, I realized I hadn’t taken time to do much of anything on campus besides school. I applied to be the fundraiser chair for the Golden Key Executive Committee and became a lab tutor. Those were the best decisions. The experiences forced me out of my comfort zone, improved my confidence and public speaking, and introduced me to so many great people that I hope to remain friends with for the rest of my life.

Today, I’m in the Master of Accounting program at the University of Alberta and on track to graduate in August 2027 at the age of 22. After that, I plan to go back home to Barrhead, where I’ve worked at Ellerington CPA for the past three summers, and write the final exam to earn my CPA designation by the time I’m 23.

My grandpa may not be here physically, but he’s still with me, cheering me on and waiting to see me become the CPA he knew I would be.

Payton Hope Carmichael Shimoda

Bachelor of Commerce, Legal Studies in Business

I was recruited to play volleyball for MacEwan and arrived here as an underdog athletically and a COVID grad academically. Other coaches said I would never make it at the university level, but MacEwan took a chance on me.

During one of my first games, I missed my serve so badly that I hit the bottom of the referee's stand. But MacEwan allowed me to grow over time and reach my potential. Eventually, I broke several school records and earned a spot in the Canada West all-time top 20 for assists. I owe that success to the program, the support of my family and friends and teammates. Being able to travel, study, work out and hang out with my best friends every day was the best part of my undergrad experience.

During our last game of the last semester, when we played against Saskatchewan, the other Griffins teams all came out to watch and cheer us on. With our fellow athletes screaming funny chants and hyping us up, we pulled off an unexpected upset. I’ve learned a lot during my undergrad, including how important it is to invest in your community. Pouring your time and effort into people is always worth it.

When I started my Bachelor of Commerce, I had no idea which direction to take, but after my first business law class, I started thinking about becoming a lawyer.

My professors in the legal department were all accomplished lawyers who were passionate about teaching and dedicated to our success. Their excitement about their field was contagious, and before I knew it, I was writing my LSAT and applying to law schools. And this fall, I’ll begin studying law at the University of Alberta.

Ubong Elizabeth Imo Udofia

Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting

A high school financial accounting course originally sparked my interest in the field. I enjoy organization, planning and paying attention to details, so the structure and logic of accounting immediately felt like the perfect fit for me.

As an international student, a sense of community meant a lot, and joining the executive team of the Black Students’ Alliance at MacEwan University gave me that. I met and connected with other Black students, celebrated our culture and created spaces where people felt welcomed and represented.

My work-integrated learning and co-op program experiences changed the way I viewed my education and future career. I applied what I learned in class to real-world situations, built professional relationships and gained confidence. I better understood the type of work I enjoy and had a clearer picture of my career path.

But when I came back to school for my final semester after working full-time for a year, I felt tired and burnt out. Instead of easing off, I decided to challenge myself. I worked hard, stayed focused and finished the semester with all A’s.

That achievement reminded me of how much I had grown during university. It showed me that even when I felt exhausted, I was still capable of pushing myself and achieving something I was proud of.

This fall, I’ll be starting a full-time position with one of the accounting firms I interned with during my co-op placements at MacEwan. I’ll be working in the auditing department, and I’m really excited about beginning this next chapter of my career. I also plan to pursue my Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation to continue developing professionally and advancing toward my long-term career goals.

In the future, I hope to work in an executive role overseeing the financial side of a company, whether that’s as a Chief Financial Officer, controller or another leadership position. I want to continue growing professionally while also making a meaningful impact within an organization.

Jasmine Vejar

Bachelor of Commerce, International Business

My journey with MacEwan started with a dream of studying abroad. I’m from Mexico, and moving to Canada was a big first step. My experience learning English at MacEwan over the summer made me feel more confident about choosing this university.

I decided to study international business and marketing because both areas allow me to connect with creativity, culture and communication. International Business helped me understand how companies and people work across different countries, while marketing gave me the tools to create content and to communicate ideas.

One of the biggest highlights of my academic experience was completing an internship in Portugal at Museu Banksy. I worked as a social media intern, and it was an incredible opportunity to apply what I had learned in marketing while also experiencing a different culture. I learned a lot about Portuguese culture, social media content creation and the world of street art. It also showed me how powerful marketing can be when it's connected to art, culture and storytelling.

Throughout my time at MacEwan, I have grown a lot, not only as a student but also as a person. Studying in an international environment, meeting new people and gaining experiences has shaped who I am today.

After graduation, I am excited to spend time travelling across Canada with my family. After that, I’d like to continue gaining professional experience and find a position that I am truly passionate about. My goal is to build a career that feels meaningful to me and allows me to use both my international business background and my interest in marketing.

Jess Zdril

Library and Information Technology Diploma
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

My first degree out of high school was a Bachelor of Arts for English and Creative Writing, inspired by my love of literature. Starting with something I enjoyed seemed as good a choice as any, and I knew I could always pivot if needed to.

I participated in MacEwan's annual English Conference as a volunteer and presenter, sharing a paper I'd written about the visual emotions of comic book narratives. Interacting directly with the academic community was incredibly rewarding and the question segment at the end of my presentation allowed me to explore my own work from an external perspective and discover new questions to investigate further.

That moment brought my coursework into the real world and opened my mind to the possibility of further academic pursuits.

That pivot that changed my academic career came right at the end of my degree, when one of my most supportive professors told me I would be perfectly suited for library work. I had been stewing over that thought for years and it was the push I needed to take my love of people and customer service a step further.

Libraries are places of community, collaboration and learning that have always made me feel at home. From helping patrons find an interesting new novel to helping a confused student find research articles for their paperwork, librarianship is about leaving someone with more answers than they'd started with.

But the highlight of my diploma, by far, was the month-long field placement at a branch of Edmonton Public Library. I got to put my skills and training into practice by working directly with patrons at the customer service desk, working with the collections alongside the pages and even co-leading a few of their children's programs. The weeks flew by and I learned so much.

I’m currently on the hunt for a local library position focused on working closely with patrons.