On May 21, our graduates attended the UBC convocation, followed by a reception hosted by the School to honour their achievements. Faculty, friends and family gathered to mingle, enjoy refreshments and commemorate their extraordinary milestone in a fun-filled afternoon.
At the reception, SPPH Director Dr. Aslam Anis, MSc and PhD Director Dr. Eva Oberle, MSc OEH Program Director Dr. Chris McLeod and MPH Program Director Dr. Mike Marin were in attendance. They shared heartfelt words recognizing the graduates faced countless challenges, from late-night study sessions to grappling with complex real-world issues, but ultimately rose to the occasion through persistence and dedication.
Dr. Aslam Anis, Director of SPPH, remarked, “This year’s celebration marks more than just the completion of a degree. It’s a testament to resilience, perseverance, and a shared commitment to improving public health. Many of our PhD graduates began their academic journeys in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—navigating uncertainty, adapting to shifting realities, and rising to meet each challenge with courage and determination.”
SPPH Director Dr. Aslam Anis gives speech at UBC SPPH Spring 2025 graduation reception (photo: Edward Chang)
We are proud to highlight the outstanding achievements of several members of this year’s graduating class:
- Salima Kerai-Sayani generously shared her expertise by teaching the social determinants of health to international students through the Vancouver Summer Program in both 2023 and 2024.
- Stephanie Wu demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, receiving seven major awards, including the national Dick Martin and Chad Bradley Scholarships.
- Simrat Mahil received two prestigious honors: a $10,000 Chapman & Innovation Grant for her work with Sher Vancouver supporting South Asian LGBTQ+ individuals, and the Sally Yue Lin Award in Population and Public Health.
- Evan Hall received the Dr. Anne Crichton Award for Publication
- Adam Arca was honored with the 2S/LGBTQ+ Health Hub Fellowship.
These achievements reflect not only individual talent but also a collective mission—to improving lives, uplifting communities, and protecting global health.
To our graduates: You began this journey full of curiosity and ambition. Along the way, you’ve become advocates, innovators, and champions for equity and wellbeing. You’ve discovered that public health is not just about data or policy—it’s about people. It’s about compassion, equity, and hope.
As you embark on your professional journeys, remember this: Your work matters. You will encounter moments that test your resolve, but know that every vaccine administered, every policy implemented, every life touched stands as testament to the power of your dedication.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025—we couldn’t be prouder!
For more insights about this year’s Faculty of Medicine spring graduates, visit additional profiles here, including a profile on SPPH’s Dahn Jeong who earned a PhD in Population and Public Health.