Spring 2026 Convocation
As we honour the Class of 2026, we celebrate everything you’ve achieved and everyone who helped you get here. From your first day on campus to the steps you take across the stage, you’ve grown, discovered and made memories that will last a lifetime.
You are the next chapter in the ULethbridge story: bold thinkers, compassionate leaders and lifelong learners. Congratulations! Your journey is just beginning.
Governor General's Gold Medal for Graduate Studies and School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Doctor of Philosophy Winner Jackson R. Ham
Faculty of Health Sciences Gold Medal Winner Elizabeth Orel
Master of Science Medal of Merit Winner Mark Lea
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Education Winner Henna Hans
Faculty of Arts & Science (Sciences) Gold Medal Winner Brannon Sumner
Academic Medal of the Governor General of Canada - Silver Medal (Undergraduate) Winner Benjamin Sharp
Faculty of Arts & Science (Arts) Gold Medal Winner Sydney Whiting
Faculty of Education Gold Medal Winner Bree Bos
Master of Science, Management Medal of Merit Winner Makayla Koshuta
Honorary Degree Recipient
Robert Dawe
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
A leading Alberta archaeologist and assistant curator at the Royal Alberta Museum, Robert (Bob) Dawe has had an enviable career, conducting fieldwork throughout Alberta, notably at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Writing-On-Stone, and also across the Arctic from Alaska to Baffin Island, in Ontario and even China.
ULethbridge Volunteer Award
Shawn (BSc ’98, MSc ’00) and Erin (BSc ’01) Pinder
Shawn and Erin Pinder, owners of Lethbridge’s Runners Soul athletic store, have an impressive record of volunteer service in the southern Alberta community, generously giving their time to various organizations and local running events.
Honorary Degree Recipient
Knud Petersen
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
Whether it be fundraising, volunteering or simply offering his infectious smile as support, Knud Petersen consistently shows up for his community and is a champion for southern Alberta.
Graduate Mentorship Award
Dr. Suzanne Lenon
Sociology professor Dr. Suzanne Lenon sets high expectations for her graduate students and then equips them with the skills and confidence they need in their professional lives, challenging students to examine their own biases, perceptions and ideologies, in a way that makes them feel safe, supported and inspired to take risks in their learning.
Learn more about Dr. Suzanne Lenon
Honorary Degree Recipient
Honourable Justice Derek Redman
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
The Honourable Justice Derek Redman is a distinguished Alberta jurist recognized for his exemplary judicial leadership, his dedication to public legal education and community service, and his unwavering advocacy for a justice system that is accessible, culturally informed, and responsive to the communities it serves.
Honorary Degree Recipient
Faye HeavyShield
Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
A visual artist, cultural worker, mentor and teacher, Faye HeavyShield has earned national and international acclaim for her artistic works that are deeply connected to her Blackfoot culture, a practice she is eager to share with youth and emerging artists to help preserve Blackfoot ways of knowing.
Speaker Research Award
Dr. Borries Demeler
A research scientist of the highest calibre, Dr. Borries Demeler established the Canadian Center for Hydrodynamics at the University of Lethbridge, a world-leading research institute for the study of nanoscale materials, while excelling as an exemplary educator, researcher and mentor to students from high school to post-secondary levels.
Honorary Degree Recipient
Dean Gallimore (BMgt ‘84)
A proud alumnus and former Board of Governors Chair, Dean Gallimore (BMgt ’84) played a pivotal role in shaping the University of Lethbridge. From advancing the Southern Alberta Medical Program to guiding a new strategic plan, his impact was profound. In recognition of his legacy, ULethbridge will award him its first posthumous honorary degree during a private ceremony.
Excellence in Teaching Award
Rebekah Eckert
Rebekah Eckert understands students are much more than learners; they are human beings with their own goals, challenges and voices. As an instructor in the Academic Writing Program, she brings a wide range of experience to her teaching, taking a flexible approach in engaging with students and providing them choices in writing tools while ensuring each student develops their own voice as a writer.
Spring 2026 Award Winners
Congratulations, graduates!
The University of Lethbridge Alumni Association is thrilled to welcome the Class of 2026 to the alumni family.
Learn everything there is to know about being a new grad!