MEMBERS IN FOCUS
The Future Is Bright: Convocation Celebrates
the Class of 2018
M
ay 12, 2018, was an occasion for celebration as hundreds of
graduates came together for CPABC’s annual Convocation at
the Vancouver Convention Centre. Altogether, 834 graduates
from BC (833) and the Yukon (1) were recognized. Present to cheer
them on was an audience of more than 2,400 people, including family
members, colleagues, friends, and dignitaries and representatives
from the profession and several post-secondary institutions.
After welcoming remarks from CPABC’s incoming Board Chair
Barry Macdonald, FCPA, FCA, outgoing Chair Heather Banham,
FCPA, FCGA, addressed the class of 2018. Banham acknowledged
how much the graduates had achieved during their studies and spoke
of the opportunities to come. “You have proven to yourselves that you
are capable of remarkable accomplishments,” said Banham. “You have
completed a demanding program of studies, held yourself to the high-
est standards, and gained a powerful, versatile skill set…. Positions in
management, leadership, and the C-suite are all options for you—so
choose an area that you are passionate about and set your sights high.”
Also in attendance was CPA Canada Chair Terry LeBlanc, FCPA,
FCGA. In his remarks to the assembly, LeBlanc noted that CPAs work
in a complex and fast-paced business environment—one that offers
many opportunities. “It’s an exciting time to be a CPA and to be on the
path to becoming a CPA,” he said. “CPAs are operating in a challenging
global landscape where business, finance, culture, public policy, and
technology constantly intersect…. It’s a bright future full of momentum
and possibility, and I look forward to seeing you accomplish great
things in your field.”
Following LeBlanc’s speech, the graduates each had a chance to cross
the stage and receive an energetic and enthusiastic response from the
crowd. Later, valedictorian David Yuen, whose performance on the
September 2017 writing of the Common Final Examination garnered
him a place on the national honour roll, emphasized the important
role that peers play in each other’s success. “The letters behind our
name don’t just show people that we are accounting professionals—the
designation also binds us as a group,” he said. “We belong to a strong
network of peers who can provide encouragement and inspiration to
each other.”
The Convocation ceremony wrapped up with concluding remarks
from Heather Banham and was followed by a celebratory gala.
Photos by Alistair Eagle for Ron Sangha Productions.
For more Convocation photos, visit CPABC’s Flickr
page at flickr.com/cpabc/sets.
48 CPABC in Focus • July/August 2018
Top & middle: Graduates mingle before the start of the procession. Bottom: CPABC’s 2017 Honour Roll pose
for a group shot. Standing (l to r): Ryan Slater; Trevor Hodgins; Param Purewal; Thomas Drinkwater, CPA;
Richard Dasler; Cole Leonoff; Lissa Paul; David Yuen (valedictorian); and Erik Vagle. Seated (l to r): Jennifer
Bickley (née Wells); Nico Van den Hooff; Hardeep Kang; Sarah Wang; and Chelsea Bohonis-Schiemann.