Student Speakers

Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing Concentration, Faculty of Business & Professional Studies

During his time at Capilano University, Robin Sidhu immersed himself in both academics and student leadership—experiences that shaped who he is today. Robin served as director of outreach and engagement for the CapU American Marketing Association (CAPUMA) and co-led the team to second place at the prestigious American Marketing Association (AMA) International Collegiate Case Competition.

Robin is proud to have represented CapU at national-level competitions, consistently achieving top rankings and recognition across sales and marketing competitions hosted by leading organizations and universities.

An accomplishment he is especially proud of is the network of students he mentored and empowered through CAPUMA— helping others grow while evolving personally has been the most rewarding part of his university journey.

Now, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in hand, Robin is excited to begin his career in sales management at Sherwin-Williams.

Robin would like to thank CAPUMA, the School of Business and the CapU community for shaping his journey. He would like to especially thank Andrea Eby, who constantly challenged him to think bigger, push harder and lead with intention. Her guidance has been foundational to Robin’s growth, both professionally and personally.

Bachelor of Legal Studies (Paralegal) degree, Faculty of Business & Professional Studies

Harsharan (Harsh) Kaur, graduating with a Bachelor of Legal Studies (Paralegal) degree, is proud to celebrate this milestone as a first-generation university graduate and the daughter of immigrants.

During her time at Capilano University, Harsh was a dedicated student who participated in the Dominion Mock Trial College Cup, where her team earned first place nationally. She also completed her practicum at Triage Data Solutions, specializing in eDiscovery and legal technology, under the mentorship of CapU alumna Rose Singh.

One of her proudest accomplishments was discovering her passion in the legal tech field and gaining real-world experience while balancing the challenges of online learning during the pandemic. Throughout her journey, Harsh learned two invaluable lessons: taking chances often leads to the greatest growth and resilience is built through overcoming challenges.

Now armed with her degree, Harsh plans to continue her career in eDiscovery and legal innovation, with ambitions of advancing legal technology practices in Canada.

She would like to thank her parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices, her instructors for their mentorship and encouragement, and Rose Singh and the entire Triage Data Solutions team for inspiring her to bridge education with innovation.

Associate of Science Degree, Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Kashish Khera is graduating from Capilano University with an Associate of Science degree. As an international student, moving to a new country was both challenging and transformative. Her tattoo, “Every exit is an entry somewhere else,” became a personal mantra during this journey.

At CapU, Kashish embraced many roles: orientation leader, student research assistant for The Office of Creative Activity, Research and Scholarship and the Faculty of Arts & Sciences. She also founded the CapU Boxing Club.

One of her proudest achievements was working with Graham Cook, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, on the Course Clustering Project. There, she led student engagement efforts and promoted the initiative campus-wide. She also helped organize the annual Student Research Symposium.

Kashish will carry two lessons forward with her: consistency builds trust and growth happens outside your comfort zone. Kashish plans to pursue a career in software engineering. She would like to thank Tracy Penny Light, Graham Cook, Kate Phifer, Kymberly Stewart, Andrew Hamilton and her friends and family for their unwavering support.

Bachelor of Music Therapy, Faculty of Education, Health & Human Development

Emma Mabley is graduating from Capilano University with a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree. During her time at the CapU, Emma served as a student representative on the board of the Music Therapy Association of BC and as co-president of CapU’s Music Therapy Students’ Alliance. She was honoured to be awarded with the Gary Le Tourneau scholarship and the Bill Ekins Memorial Music Therapy scholarship.

Emma is particularly proud of the accomplishment of her pre-professional practicum, where she musically supported the wellbeing of elders in long-term care, children and adults with disabilities and patients at a hospital in Calgary. She continues to be inspired by the connective power of music.

Throughout her program, Emma learned how to remain comfortable in the learning process, even when the learning curve felt steep. She worked to develop learning strategies that prioritized self-kindness over striving for perfection and consequently, found deeper enjoyment in her work. Secondly, Emma is grateful to have learned what it means to be in service of others, using music and relationship-building skills to understand and support other’s needs.

As she begins her career, Emma hopes to further her growth as a music therapist and plans to advocate for the accessibility and expansion of the profession. She would like to thank her incredible family, partner, instructors and classmates for their kindness and encouragement.

Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts, Faculty of Fine & Applied Arts

Sarah Buchanan is graduating from the Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts (MOPA) program with a minor in Business Administration and a Concentration in Producing.

During her time at Capilano University, she was deeply involved in campus life—as a participant in the International Leader and Peer Mentor program, a committed member and later President of the Film Student Collective and a contributor to student engagement initiatives within the School of Business.

Within her academic journey, Sarah is proud to have shepherded four films to completion, one of which was chosen to be submitted to the Toronto International Film Festival.

Throughout her time at Capilano University, Sarah has grown and changed in ways that she cannot even recognize yet; the girl who entered this school is not the girl who is leaving it. This period of her life has taught her to hold strength in her values, and to define, for herself, what greatness looks like.

As Sarah looks to the future, she hopes to continue to challenge herself, to grow and to strive for greatness. She would like to thank Michael Thoma, for challenging each MOPA student to push themselves academically, and also her peers, for giving her an incredible community to make movies in.

• Applicant must be eligible to graduate at the next convocation ceremony
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing
• Commit to attend and participate fully in the convocation ceremony, including any rehearsals
• Complete the online application by Friday, April 25, 2025 with:

1. Contact Information
   • Name
   • Student ID
   • Email
   • Phone
   • Program
   • Biography: A short bio (200-250 word) of yourself will appear on the Convocation webpage should you be the successful applicant:
     • Name
     • Program credential you are graduating with
     • Highlight any awards received or associations you have participated in during your time at CapU
     • Please share an accomplishment in your studies that you are proud of
     • What two lessons have you learned on your journey as a student at CapU?
     • Now that you have your credential(s), what are your future ambitions?
     • Who would you like to thank for supporting your educational journey?
2. Video recording of statement of interest describing your engagement with Capilano University and the broader community, personal growth, how you got here, and challenges you've faced. Please record your Statement of Interest (maximum 2 minutes) to convey how you would present your Convocation speech. This does not need to be your prepared speech but should serve as your introduction to your topic.
3. Include one letter of reference from staff or faculty and contact information for one other reference we can contact if needed.
4. Headshot: Be available for an on-campus headshot on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

The Student Speaker Committee will consider the following when making their selection of student speakers:

• Clarity of ideas and speech content
• Appeal to a broad audience & shared experiences with Capilano University students
• Extent to which the speech represents the mission and values of CapU
• Speaker's delivery – well prepared, engaging, vocal variety, animated delivery, stage presence

An engaging and lively convocation address should:

• Be relatable to other graduands
• Be inspiring in tone and/or message
• Be told in your own voice (authentic)
• Honour the significance of the occasion
• Reflect on the CapU journey (past to present)
• Be a call to action to your fellow graduands (future)

1. Eligible and interested students are required to complete the online application form.
2. The Convocation Student Speaker Committee will review entries and choose student speakers.
3. The Committee will send the selected student a speech sample from past years and instructions for their role that day.
4. The committee will notify the selected speakers and unsuccessful applicants no later than two weeks after the deadline for submissions.
5. If necessary, selected speakers will work with Communications to refine their speech and delivery.

Applications are currently closed, but if you have any questions, contact convocation@capilanou.ca.