Convocation Honorary Degree Recipients
Dr. Deborah Buszard
Dr. Deborah Buszard is an accomplished academic, leader and a passionate advocate for the role universities play in society. Her leadership has had a profound and lasting impact at UBC. During her eight-year tenure as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UBC Okanagan, she exemplified an unwavering dedication to helping a young campus transform into an institution with world-class academic programs and facilities. Most recently, she led UBC as its Interim President, serving from 2022-2023. Throughout her UBC career, her leadership, advocacy and visionary approach has extended to the broader community and has fostered and strengthened the University’s relationships with the communities it serves, industries, health agencies, and educational institutions within Canada and abroad.
Ian Cull
Ian Cull is a visionary and respected academic leader who has had an extraordinary and transformational impact on the lives of Indigenous students through his work at UBC Okanagan. He is a member of Dokis First Nation located in the Nipissing Territory, Ontario and is recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions in the post-secondary sector. His lifelong commitment to supporting student success is evident in his work to create unique and highly effective approaches to enhancing Indigenous student access and support at UBC Okanagan. Beginning in 2005, he led the creation of a range of Indigenous support systems and is responsible for the unique and transformative Access Studies Program, which provides a transformative experience for students that stays with them as they move into degree studies and beyond.
Raghwa Gopal
Raghwa Gopal has long been a driving force for technological innovation in the Okanagan region and served as a mentor and role model for new entrepreneurs and students. In 2012, he helped create Accelerate Okanagan, the region’s first local accelerator for startups, where he also served as Executive in Residence providing key guidance to up-and-coming business owners. In 2015, he took on a more involved role at the organization as CEO, and the Okanagan is now known as one of British Columbia’s most vibrant tech hubs with hundreds of companies employing thousands of skilled workers. He remains active in the industry and in education, currently as a guest lecturer for the UBC Okanagan School of Engineering and the Faculty of Management, and as an Advisory Board member for Sauder School of Business at UBC Vancouver.
UBC Vancouver Congregation Honorary Degree Recipients
For a list of this year’s recipients, click here.