Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

Congratulations to the largest graduating class in Emily Carr University’s history! As you begin your careers as creative thinkers, innovators, and thought leaders, remember the perseverance, creativity and craftsmanship you channeled here at ECU. Your art reflects that fearlessness and courage that will help you succeed and thrive in the future. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

On behalf of Emily Carr University’s Board of Governors, we extend our congratulations to the graduating class of 2025. We take pride in supporting and shaping the next generation of creative leaders and look forward to witnessing the work you will create as you continue to share your talent and vision with the world. Please accept our best wishes as you enter this next chapter.

Today, we gather to mark an incredible milestone as you embark on the next chapter of your journey. Throughout your time at ECU, you have faced challenges that have shaped you into stronger, more resilient creators and innovators. Your accomplishments and achievements are a testament to your resilience and growth. Through your trials, you have emerged as an esteemed member of a thriving alumni community that boasts some of our industry's most influential creative minds. We look forward to the contributions you will make in the years ahead. Congratulations to the class of 2025.

Graduands will be led by

Jay Percival, Drummer

The Chancellor's and Platform Party will be led by

Carla George, Drummer

Mace Bearer

Kajola Morewood

Carleen Thomas, Chancellor
Dr. Trish Kelly, President + Vice-Chancellor
Don Avison, K.C., Chair, Board of Governors
Alanis Obomsawin, Honorary Doctor of Letters Recipient
Diyan Achjadi, Vice-President Academic + Provost
Michelle Fu + Brian McBay, Emily Award Recipient

Opening Remarks + Welcome

Diyan Achjadi, Vice-President Academic + Provost

Chancellor's Address

Carleen Thomas

Presidential Address

Dr. Trish Kelly

Conferral of Honorary Degrees + Presentation of Emily Award

Alanis Obomsawin, Honorary Doctor of Letters Recipient
Michelle Fu + Brian McBay, Emily Award Recipient

Presentation of Medals

Lieutenant Governor’s Medal

Presentation of Degrees

Undergraduate Student Convocation Speaker

Parnian Anaa

Introduction of Bachelor of Design Candidates

Celeste Martin, Dean, Ian Gillespie Faculty of Design + Dynamic Media

• Communication Design
• Industrial Design
• Interaction Design

Introduction of Bachelor of Media Arts Candidates

Celeste Martin, Dean, Ian Gillespie Faculty of Design + Dynamic Media

• 2D + Experimental Animation
• 3D Computer Animation
• Film + Screen Arts

Closing Remarks

Don Avison, K.C., Chair, Board of Governors

Graduands will be led by

Aan’yas (Austin Harry), Drummer

The Chancellor's and Platform Party will be led by

Sheryl Rivers, Drummer

Mace Bearer

Kajola Morewood

Carleen Thomas, Chancellor
Dr. Trish Kelly, President + Vice-Chancellor
Don Avison, K.C., Chair, Board of Governors
Alanis Obomsawin, Honorary Doctor of Letters Recipient
Diyan Achjadi, Vice-President Academic + Provost
Paul Larocque, Honorary Doctor of Letters Recipient
Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Janice George, Honorary Doctor of Letters Recipient

Opening Remarks + Welcome

Diyan Achjadi, Vice-President Academic + Provost

Chancellor's Address

Carleen Thomas

Presidential Address

Dr. Trish Kelly

Conferral of Honorary Degrees

Paul Larocque, Honorary Doctor of Letters Recipient
Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Janice George, Honorary Doctor of Letters Recipient

Presentation of Medals

Governor General’s Gold Medal
Governor General’s Silver Medal

Presentation of Degrees

Graduate Student Convocation Speaker

Asad Aftab

Introduction of Master of Fine Arts and Master of Design Candidates

Justin Langlois, Interim Associate Vice-President, Research + Dean, Jake Kerr Faculty of Graduate Studies

Undergraduate Student Convocation Speaker

Yan Lau

Introduction of Bachelor of Fine Arts Candidates

Jacqueline Turner, Interim Dean, Faculty of Culture + Community

• Critical + Cultural Practices

Introduction of Bachelor of Media Arts Candidates

Kyla Mallett, Dean, Audain Faculty of Art

• New Media + Sound Art

Introduction of Bachelor of Fine Arts Candidates

Kyla Mallett, Dean, Audain Faculty of Art

• Illustration
• Photography
• Visual Arts

Closing Remarks

Don Avison, K.C., Chair, Board of Governors

• A shield with a geometric allusion to perspective.
• A crest rising from a wreath of blue and white depicting a raven in Coast Salish style that represents transformation and cleverness.
• Two crows (noted for their intelligence) who support the shield on either side and represent the university’s urban setting.

The crest was designed by Musqueam artist Susan A. Point (D. Litt), a past Board member of Emily Carr.

Eye, Mind + Hand

The Emily Carr motto links together the notion of perception and visualization of the world through the eyes, the operation of the artist’s mind in the creative process and the use of hands to bring an idea to life.

It depicts elements of an eagle, a human figure, a map of British Columbia and bells. The handle is representative of a talking stick, used in Indigenous ceremonies for centuries.

The intricately carved swirl in the base is designed to emphasize the power of the mace.

Photo by Kim Bellavance.