Spring 2026 Convocation
You've made your mark!
Spring 2026
Convocation
May 28 & 29, 2026
You've made your mark!
Spring 2026
Convocation
May 28 & 29, 2026
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.
Celebrate the accomplishments of ULethbridge’s largest graduating class at Spring 2026 Convocation.
Make the most of your convocation day with these services and amenities:
• Professional portrait photography
• ULethbridge memorabilia and graduation rings
• Fresh flowers to congratulate your grad
• Parchment frames and the official Fiat Lux alumni ring
• Live video of the ceremony in the Family room (PE261)
Indigenous Convocation Celebration
Thursday, May 28 | Friday, May 29, 2026
Markin Hall Atrium
11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. after each ceremony
Iikaisskini Indigenous Services congratulates all the Spring 2026 ULethbridge Indigenous graduates!
In honour of all you have accomplished, please join us for the Iikaisskini Convocation Celebrations on May 28 and 29 in Markin Hall following each convocation ceremony. Grab a snack, get your photo taken, pick up a gift and celebrate with your family, friends and supporters.
Join us during Spring Convocation for the 2026 Chancellor’s Dinner — an evening celebrating the achievements of our university community and honouring Chancellor Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) in his final year. The event recognizes distinguished award recipients, outstanding students and those who have made exceptional contributions to teaching, research and service at ULethbridge.
This event is sold out!
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.
Ceremony I
Thursday, May 28 | 9 a.m.
School of Graduate Studies (MSc)
Faculty of Arts & Science (BASc, BSc)
Honorary Degree Recipient: Faye HeavyShield, Doctor of Letters
Speaker Research Award: Dr. Borries Demeler
Ceremony II
Thursday, May 28 | 2:30 p.m.
School of Graduate Studies (MA, MN)
Faculty of Arts & Science (BA)
Faculty of Health Science (BHSc, BN, BTR)
Honorary Degree Recipient: Robert Dawe, Doctor of Laws
Excellence in Teaching Award: Rebekah Eckert
Ceremony III
Friday, May 29 | 9 a.m.
School of Graduate Studies (PhD, MC, MEd, MFA, MMus)
Faculty of Education (BEd)
Combined Degrees with Education
Faculty of Fine Arts (all programs)
Honorary Degree Recipient: Knud Petersen, Doctor of Laws
Graduate Mentorship Award: Dr. Suzanne Lenon
Ceremony IV
Friday, May 29 | 2:30 p.m.
School of Graduate Studies [MHSM, MSc (Mgt)]
Dhillon School of Business (all programs)
Combined Degrees with Management
Honorary Degree Recipient: Derek Redman, Doctor of Laws
Volunteer Award: Shawn (BSc ’98, MSc ’00) & Erin (BSc ’01) Pinder
Photo locations
If you are looking for places around campus to take photos with your graduate, family and friends, here are some scenic spots to capture the special moment:
University of Lethbridge sign
At campus entrance; University Drive and Valley Road
OKI sign
Located on the East Patio off University Hall
ULeth block letters and balloons with the iconic High Level Bridge in the background
Between UHall and Science Commons
“2026” Gold Balloons
In the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness Atrium next to Burrito Loco
Chief Marshal and the Mace
Take a photo in front of a beautiful stained glass window alongside the Chief Marshal and our ceremonial mace: Located along the track in the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness
Congratulations Balloon Arch
Located outdoors between the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness and Turcotte Hall
Aperture Art Installation
Between the Students’ Union Building and the University Library
The Bronze Pronghorn
Located inside the University Library building, next to the bus loop
Fiat Lux
Our school motto; let there be light, located outside the University Library doors
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!