3 Lessons from CapU's New Chancellor

At Capilano University’s 2026 Convocation, newly installed Chancellor Debra Doucette shared a powerful message with graduating students: while their time at CapU is complete, their learning journey is just beginning. 

Here are three key takeaways from her address to the Class of 2026.  

Prioritize connection  

In a fast-paced and often fragmented world, Doucette emphasized that success is built on relationships.  

“Success is rarely a solo achievement. It’s built on the strength of the people around you,” she said.  

Connection goes beyond networking. It’s about being genuinely curious, listening carefully and staying in touch—even when life gets busy.  

As graduates move into careers, new cities and different paths, Doucette encouraged them to hold onto the relationships they’ve built.  

“Send the message. Make the call. Show up when it counts.”  

Keep an open mind  

Graduation may feel like the start of a defined path, but Doucette reminded students that some of life’s best opportunities are unexpected.  

“Some of the best opportunities in your life will come from directions you didn’t expect,” she said.  

Keeping an open mind means being willing to learn, adapt and reconsider your perspective. It also means engaging with different viewpoints and asking better questions.  

“The people who will thrive won’t be the ones who always have the answers. They’ll be the ones who keep asking better questions.”  

Never lose sight of hard work 

Talent and opportunity matter, but Doucette underscored that sustained effort is what drives real progress.  

“Consistent effort—showing up, improving and pushing through challenges—is what creates real progress,” she said.  

Hard work often happens behind the scenes: the extra hour, the continued effort when motivation fades and the discipline to keep going.  

Over time, that consistency compounds into meaningful results.  

One more thing: thank your village  

Before the day ends, Doucette encouraged graduates to reflect on the people who helped them reach this milestone: family, friends, faculty or even someone who offered support along the way.  

“None of us achieves success alone. It truly does take a village,” she said.  

Taking a moment to acknowledge that support is an important part of the journey.  

A new chapter begins  

As CapU welcomed Doucette as its fifth chancellor, her message to grads was both simple and enduring:  

Stay connected. Stay open. Keep working.  

“If you hold onto those three things,” she said, “you’ll be ready—not just for this next step, but for every step after that.”