Vancouver Campus Celebrates Its 24th Commencement Ceremony

On October 25, family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at The University of British Columbia to celebrate New York Tech-Vancouver’s Class of 2024.

Nearly 300 students attended the ceremony. Executive Director and Campus Dean Irene Young, Ed.D., welcomed the graduates and guests.

“As you prepare to step out into a world filled with challenges and opportunities, I want to remind you of our university’s motto: ‘Reinvent the Future.’ Those three words carry a powerful message, and they couldn’t be more relevant to you today,” Young said. “You are not just stepping into the future; you are shaping it. You are the doers, the makers, the innovators who will take the skills and knowledge you’ve gained here and make the world a better place.”

^{New York Tech-Vancouver faculty with President Hank Foley and Executive Director and Campus Dean Irene Young.}

President Henry C. Foley, Ph.D., who was in attendance, offered these remarks to the graduates: “New York Tech’s reputation will be measured in large part by what you will do with the degree you have earned. Our future and your own future are intertwined. Your legacy is our legacy. Your experiences here will help guide others, and I call on you to reach a hand back to those who follow you. This is how we can continue to reinvent the future together.”

In attendance from the New York campuses were Associate Provost for Student Engagement and Development Tiffani Hinds, M.Ed.; Director of Student Engagement and Development, Administration and Operations Joanne West, M.S.; and Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences Babak D. Beheshti, Ph.D.

Student speaker Shreya Kazania (M.B.A. ’24) began her address by reflecting on the years she and her fellow graduates spent at New York Tech. “Together, we’ve navigated the ups and downs of academic life, and as we prepare to scatter across the globe, let’s celebrate the bonds we’ve forged. These connections, formed through shared hardships and joys, will be the foundation for our futures,” she said.

“As we embrace the journey ahead, cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning,” she continued. “The world is ever evolving, and adaptability will be your greatest asset. Seek out new experiences, engage with diverse perspectives, and push the boundaries of your understanding. Each experience is a building block in your personal and professional growth, enriching your journey.”

^{Student speaker Shreya Kazania addresses her fellow graduates.}

Alumni Honored

On October 24, alumni gathered for the third annual Vancouver Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner at the Italian Culture Centre, where Rohit Agarwal (M.B.A. ’19) and Ali Parekh (MEM ’23) were honored with achievement awards.

The Alumni Awards Dinner was established to recognize the professional achievements and community service of the alumni of the Vancouver campus.

^{Rohit Agrawal}

Rohit Agrawal was the recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award. As senior distribution centre supervisor at Aritzia Agarwal has led major inventory projects for the clothing chain across North American distribution centers, including the development of a new $84 million warehouse in Toronto. By applying Six Sigma techniques (a set of tools used to improve business processes), Agarwal helped Aritzia save $2 million through successful project execution and team development. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Agarwal volunteers with Vancouver Coastal Health’s children’s immunization program, reflecting his commitment to both the industry he works in and his community.

^{Ali Parekh}

Ali Parekh was honored with the Alumni Service Award. Parekh is a business energy advisor at GreenStep Solutions, where he conducts energy assessments for small- and medium-sized businesses. Parekh gives back to his alma mater by mentoring New York Tech graduates in certifications, industry trends, and job preparation. Parekh’s commitment to the New York Tech community has led to two graduates being hired at his company. His active involvement with energy management alumni, professors, and various alumni groups strengthens the professional network and creates opportunities for future graduates in the energy industry.

Alexandria Smith, New York Tech-Vancouver alumni coordinator, contributed to this story.