Alumni Awards of Excellence

Liberal Arts & Marketing Management, 1987

Post-Graduate Certificate in Media Arts, 2004

Irwin Oostindiepr is a Dutch settler, media artist, curator and researcher. Irwin has a Post-Graduate Certificate in Media Arts from Capilano University, where his touring gallery and film festival project "Axis to Grind" examined the role of spectacle in the DPRK.

Previously, Irwin co-created Canada's largest annual political arts festival, Under the Volcano, which ran for two decades and promoted intersectionality and accomplice work with Indigenous Peoples. He has worked in both the grassroots and NGO sectors and with settler and Indigenous governments.

Irwin also serves as Vice President of the Wild Bird Trust of BC, which promotes landback in the conservation sector.

Jazz Studies - Instrumental Diploma, 2009

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, 2011

Reuben Avery is the co-founder and president of the Back On Stage app, a platform designed to streamline business operations for musicians and event professionals.

A CapU Music graduate, Reuben’s extensive experience in the B.C. wedding industry led him to identify a critical gap and create this innovative solution. Over 10,000 musicians now benefit from the app, which simplifies lead capture, client interaction and booking management.

Reuben’s outstanding achievements and leadership are also recognized in accolades such as the CreativeBC Grant and the Dean’s Award of Excellence from Capilano University.

Bachelor of Business Administration, 2014

Mason Ducharme is a proud member of both the Lil’wat Nation (father Cedric Jones) and Samahquam Nation (mother Allison Ducharme).

Passionate about Indigenous self-determination, Mason began his career at 23 as one of Canada’s youngest band administrators for the Nuchatlaht Tribe. Dedicated to advancing leadership within Indigenous communities and organizations, Mason has focused his career and research on fostering a deeper understanding of this critical area.

He is the co-executive director of the Centre for First Nations Governance and the National Community Research Director for the Rebuilding First Nations Governance project. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Capilano University and a Master of Public Administration Degree. Mason obtained a PhD in Public Administration at the University of Victoria, focusing on Indigenous executive retention. 

In recognition of his contributions, he was a National Aboriginal Achievement Awards nominee in 2014/15.

Arts and Sciences - General, 1980

Dr. Chang is an internationally recognized leader in the field of neurological malignancies. She specializes in treating adults with brain tumours, including glioblastomas and meningiomas. Her research expertise is in clinical trial design, developing novel therapies, and imaging biomarkers for brain tumours.

Dr. Chang is incredibly dedicated to improving the experience of her patients and their families, with a particular focus on increasing quality of life.

She is the founder and Director of the UCSF Neuro-Oncology Gordon Murray Caregiver Program, which provides resources and support to brain tumour patients' caregivers. She is also the co-director of the Sheri Sobrato Brain Cancer Survivorship Program, which is focused on comprehensive survivorship care for brain tumour patients.

Advanced Arts & Entertainment Management Certificate, 2003

Chris May has built an impressive career in the entertainment industry, his journey began at The BlueShore at CapU, where managing Welsh singer/songwriter Martyn Joseph’s performance ignited his passion for live event production.

Chris quickly rose to prominence, becoming the youngest touring manager at Cirque du Soleil, where he managed live events across more than 90 countries on six continents. Returning to Vancouver, Chris served as Senior Director of Entertainment at SDI Marketing before stepping into his current role as General Manager of BC Place.

Beyond his professional achievements, Chris contributes to the community as a Board Director for EMBERS, a social enterprise supporting employment in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and the Firehall Arts Centre, fostering cultural enrichment in the city.