Valedictorians & Award Winners

Faculty of Arts — Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Logan Cui has demonstrated academic excellence, perseverance and a passion for lifelong learning throughout his studies at Seneca Polytechnic. After arriving in Canada as a high school student, he built a successful career in the culinary industry, drawing on his education in culinary management and culinary arts at George Brown Polytechnic. Seeking to expand his knowledge and complete a degree, Logan enrolled in Seneca's Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program, where he maintained high grades while exploring a wide range of subjects that fueled his intellectual curiosity. While balancing full-time work and his studies, he continued to build his culinary career as a cook at Four Seasons and with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. His experience also includes roles at Fairmont Banff Springs, Rosedale Golf Club and RH Courtyard Restaurant, where he developed a reputation for professionalism and excellence. Inspired by the opportunities and perspectives he discovered through his studies, Logan plans to pursue law school and, ultimately, open his own hospitality company.

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Technology — Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering)

Jasleen Kaur has been committed to helping others and fostering a strong student community since beginning her studies at Seneca Polytechnic four years ago. As vice-president, academic, and later president of the Seneca Engineering Student Society, she advocated for students and created opportunities for engagement and growth. She organized Seneca's first Engineering Competition, leading her classmates to success at both the provincial and national levels. Jasleen also contributed to program quality and accreditation efforts by gathering feedback from multiple student cohorts and helping amplify the student voice. While maintaining academic excellence, she mentored high school students and served as a peer tutor for new Seneca students. Recognized with multiple awards for her leadership and service, Jasleen has strengthened student engagement, built community and inspired others to lead with purpose. She recently secured a software developer position with a U.S.-based firm and plans to pursue a master's degree with the goal of becoming a professor.

Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing — Practical Nursing

Ramtin Mehrshadi began his educational journey in a law program before discovering a passion for health care. Inspired by his father who practised medicine in his home country and by the impact nurses had during the pandemic, he decided to pursue a new path. After becoming a licensed Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, Ramtin chose to expand his knowledge and advance his career through nursing at Seneca Polytechnic. While balancing full-time work at a wellness centre with his studies, he served as a student ambassador and president of the Seneca Nursing Student Association, advocating for classmates and contributing to campus life. Through his leadership, dedication and commitment to helping others, he has made a meaningful impact on the Seneca community. Ramtin plans to continue his education by pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees, with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner and nursing professor.

Faculty of Communication, Art & Design — Interactive Media Design

For Adaugo Mary-Joan Oruche, design is the latest chapter in a lifelong commitment to learning and growth. After studying human physiology, then accounting and business in Nigeria, she came to Canada to study Interactive Media Design at Seneca Polytechnic. As president of the Honours Bachelor of Design in Interactive Media & Interactive Media Design Student Led Design Innovators Club, Adaugo helped create opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals and gain real-world insights. She also worked as a peer tutor at the Learning Centre while maintaining strong grades. Outside the classroom, Adaugo channels her creativity into sketching, painting and sewing, and operates her own swimwear and loungewear brand, Bloom & Bea. Her work experience includes roles as a social media intern and production manager. Recognized as a positive role model, she has enriched the Seneca community through her creativity, leadership and commitment to supporting others. After graduation, Adaugo plans to return to Nigeria and pursue a design career that allows her to combine creativity with opportunities to work from anywhere in the world.

Faculty of Continuing Education — Early Childhood Education (Accelerated)

After having children, Elvira Triantafylli's career goals changed, so she returned to the classroom to pursue a new path dedicated to supporting children. Originally a Pharmacy Technician in Greece, Elvira came to Canada determined to create new opportunities for herself and her family. Inspired by her experiences as a parent, Elvira enrolled in the accelerated Early Childhood Education program at Seneca Polytechnic while also pursuing a health sciences program at York University. The flexibility of the program allowed her to balance her studies, a second academic program and the demands of raising young children. Described as thoughtful, articulate and humble, Elvira is known for celebrating the achievements of her classmates and fostering an inclusive learning environment. Drawing on her experiences as both a student and parent, she developed a passion for helping children with learning exceptionalities reach their full potential. Elvira plans to continue her studies in autism and behavioural sciences and pursue a career supporting children and families through child-focused health services and applied behaviour analysis.

Seneca Business — Office Administration – Health Services

Before coming to Seneca Polytechnic, Samantha Williams had already built an impressive career. After studying practical nursing at another institution, she went on to launch and successfully operate a retail and e-commerce business for more than 10 years, developing strong skills in customer service, communication and business operations. A decade later, Samantha returned to the classroom to pursue a new career in health-care administration. While studying at Seneca, she balanced her coursework with volunteering at Trillium Health Partners and continuing to manage her business. Despite these competing commitments, she excelled academically, earning a place on the President's Honour List. Samantha credits her Seneca experience with helping her grow in confidence, step outside her comfort zone and strengthen her leadership and communication skills. Her hard work and perseverance paid off when she secured a position as an Admitting Clerk with Hamilton Health Sciences, where she supports patients and helps create positive care experiences. Looking ahead, Samantha plans to continue her education by pursuing a degree in health-care administration and further advancing her career in the field.

Faculty of Community & Health — Social Service Worker

Mozhgan Yahya Zadeh has built an impressive academic and professional career spanning higher education, community service and social advocacy. She brings more than 20 years of teaching and higher education experience and holds a PhD in Persian Language and Literature. After immigrating to Canada from Iran with her family, Mozhgan remained committed to learning and service while navigating the challenges of building a new life in a new country. Seeking to better understand her new community and Canada's social-service system, she enrolled in the Social Service Worker (SSW) program at Seneca Polytechnic. As a student, she supported initiatives focused on migration, trauma and newcomer settlement through the SSW Immigrant and Refugees Club, volunteering in long-term care and mentoring fellow students, particularly newcomers. Through her compassion, dedication and commitment to helping others, she has made a meaningful impact across the Seneca community. In the future, Mozhgan hopes to develop educational programs that help families better understand and support older adults, continuing her lifelong commitment to education and community well-being.

Ayat Haider entered Seneca Polytechnic’s Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation program unsure of her own potential. She credits her peers and professors for encouraging her to push beyond her limits and excel. She went on to distinguish herself as a campus leader, organizing events to enhance student well-being through activities such as mindfulness and meditation. She is now pursuing a certification in therapeutic recreation so that she can continue to empower individuals and support holistic well-being.

Gabrielle McCabe is a graduate of Seneca Polytechnic’s Honours Bachelor of Data Science & Analytics program. Her time at Seneca included using the skills she was learning in the classroom to help a local business while working as a research assistant with Seneca Applied Research. Energized by the connections she made with her peers and professors, and excited by the many ways in which data can be used to solve real-world problems, Gabrielle hopes to soon start a successful career in her field and eventually pursue a master’s degree.

Gabriella Edmund is a graduate of Seneca Polytechnic’s Social Service Worker program. Passionate about helping others and making a difference in the community, she appreciates how working in social services allows her to support individuals and advocate for their needs. Personal highlights of her Seneca experience include learning from dedicated and encouraging professors and developing strong friendships with her peers. Gabriella hopes to continue gaining experience in her field and plans to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the future.