By Kevin Pilar, Current Student Communications

June graduation ceremonies are approaching fast. Next week, we’ll be celebrating over a thousand students as they cross the stage across nine ceremonies. Representing their fellow classmates are the 2026 valedictorians: Mariah Symchych, Hannah Hamilton, Christian Nilo, Alan Medina, Ryosuke, Liam Hilton, Caitlin Tolson, Madeline Blauth and Joseph Mohssenzadeh. We’re excited to introduce them to you here. 

Mariah Symchych

Faculty of Health Sciences, Ceremony A – June 16, 11am 

Mariah is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing. While they earned top marks in the program, it’s the time spent with their cohort that stands out the most. The sense of community, as Mariah says, “made all the difference.” Next, Mariah will begin work as a registered psychiatric nurse in an inpatient unit and looks forward to growing in a deeply rewarding career. 

Hannah Hamilton

Faculty of Science and Technology, Ceremony B – June 16, 3pm 

Hannah is graduating with a Diploma in Veterinary Technology. Coming in with a background in wildlife rehabilitation, the move to domestic animals felt like a natural next step. During her studies, Hannah volunteered as an animal husbandry assistant with the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Society and will be returning there as staff. She is excited to continue her work in wildlife rehabilitation, building on the skills she developed at Douglas. 

Christian Nilo

Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, Ceremony C – June 17, 10am 

Christian is graduating with a Diploma in Accounting. After moving to Canada for school, Christian points to the confidence they’ve built at Douglas, and reflects fondly on the connections they’ve made through sport – especially hockey – where a growing love for the Montreal Canadiens has also meant trying (with “horrendously bad” results, in their words) to practice French. Next, Christian will continue at Douglas to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. 

Alan Medina

Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, Ceremony D – June 17, 2pm 

Alan is graduating with a Diploma in General Business. Along with serving as a valedictorian, he earned a place on the Dean’s List and received several awards and nominations for his achievements as a student. He speaks highly of his experience with instructors and peers, and he stayed engaged on campus as a New Student Orientation Leader supporting incoming students. Alan is now working full-time at Davidson & Company and plans to pursue his CPA designation. 

Ryosuke

Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, Ceremony E – June 17, 6pm 

Ryosuke is graduating with a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Computer and Information Systems. Driven by curiosity and a willingness to try new things, Ryosuke is proud of having built and launched three web applications during his time at Douglas. He is currently working as a software engineer and wants to continue to build on his skills, apply his knowledge, and grow in his field. 

Liam Hilton

Faculty of Language, Literature and Performing Arts, Ceremony F – June 18, 10am 

Liam is graduating with a Diploma in Music Technology. A standout win for Liam is the personal growth and confidence he’s gained throughout his academic journey – something he’ll carry into his career, he says. Music has also been a way for Liam to build community, forming strong connections with fellow musicians at the College. Liam will continue his studies in the Applied Audio Advanced Certificate program and plans to pursue his passion in the live sound and recording industries. 

Caitlin Tolson

Faculty of Applied Community Studies, Ceremony G – June 18, 2pm 

Caitlin is graduating with a Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation. She highlights her growth and the relationships she’s built at Douglas. Through placements at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, she’s built a strong foundation for a career in mental health and physical rehabilitation, which she’ll continue after a well-deserved graduation trip abroad with her classmates. 

Madeline Blauth

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ceremony H – June 19, 10am 

Madeline is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology, with a concentration in Applied Theory and Research. She reflects back on the connections she built during her studies, with both peers and professors shaping her experience. Madeline found community through the Philosophy Club, where she valued hearing the “why” behind people’s beliefs, and spent time as a call taker with the Fraser Health Crisis Line, supporting others in meaningful moments. 

Joseph Mohssenzadeh

Faculty of Science and Technology, Ceremony I – June 19, 2pm 

Joseph is graduating with a Diploma in Geological Resources. He’s proud of his growth during his program: He turned a challenging semester into a turning point that led to him consistently earning top grades. This summer, he’ll be doing geological work with Apex Geoscience (and hiking as much as possible), before continuing his studies at UBC to pursue a bachelor’s degree. 

Livestreams and final recordings of the June 2026 graduation ceremonies are available on the Douglas College website.