George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
From inspiring valedictory addresses to the recognition of industry leaders with honorary credentials, the ceremonies promise to capture the spirit and impact of a George Brown education. It is also a moment to celebrate the vital role that dedicated faculty, staff, and the wider George Brown community play in supporting our students' success.
“Convocation is a powerful reminder that education is not only about reaching a goal but about preparing graduates to shape the future with purpose and resilience,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, George Brown Polytechnic President. “Our Class of 2026 graduates embody innovation, determination, and a deep commitment to building stronger communities and to making significant contributions in their professions. We celebrate what they have achieved and the meaningful impacts they are poised to make.”
Join the celebration and follow along on George Brown’s social channels for highlights throughout the week.
2026 valedictorians and honorary credential recipients
Our nine valedictorians will deliver addresses to their fellow graduates at this week's ceremonies.
We are presenting honorary credentials to four inspiring partners and industry leaders.
Convocation live stream
If you are unable to join us in person, livestreams of every ceremony will be available at georgebrown.ca/convocation. Recordings of the ceremonies will also be available on the George Brown Polytechnic YouTube channel.
Chef Nuit Regular, Executive Chef and Co-owner of PAI, Kiin, Chaiyo, and Sukothai
Honorary Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management)
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Chef Nuit Regular's bio
Chef Nuit Regular is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur who has played a transformative role in shaping Canada’s Thai culinary landscape. As Executive Chef and Co-Owner of several acclaimed Toronto establishments—including PAI, Kiin, Sukhothai, and others—she is celebrated for bringing the rich, authentic flavours of Northern Thai cuisine to a broad audience. Originally trained as a nurse in Thailand, Chef Nuit followed her passion for cooking, drawing on family recipes, street food traditions, and royal Thai cuisine to build a successful culinary enterprise in Canada. She is the first Thai SELECT Ambassador in Canada and has received numerous accolades, including Michelin Guide recognition for her restaurants, national industry awards, and international honours for her debut cookbook, Kiin. Through her work, media appearances, and leadership, Chef Nuit continues to elevate and share Thai culture and cuisine.
Alana Powell, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families
Honorary Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Alana Powell's bio
Alana Powell is a registered Early Childhood Educator and dedicated policy leader committed to advancing the early learning and child care sector in Canada. A graduate of George Brown’s Early Childhood Education program, she began her career in community-based child care before earning a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University. Alana served for seven years as Executive Director of the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario, where she championed improved working conditions, professional recognition, and stronger representation for ECEs in public policy. Her scholarship and advocacy focus on the ethics of care and the lived experiences of educators within the sector. She currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor to the federal Minister of Jobs and Families, where she continues to influence national early learning and child care policy.
Dr. Kathryn Nichol, President and CEO of VHA Home HealthCare
Honorary Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Dr. Kathryn Nichol's bio
Dr. Kathryn Nichol is President and CEO of VHA Home HealthCare and an accomplished leader in the health care sector, with extensive experience across clinical care, public policy, academia, and health system operations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Health Science in Occupational and Environmental Health, and a PhD in Medical Science from the University of Toronto, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University. In addition to her executive leadership role, Dr. Nichol serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, where she conducts research, teaches, and mentors graduate students. Her career reflects a strong commitment to advancing patient-centred care and strengthening health systems through innovation, leadership, and evidence-based practice.
Katina Papulkas, Senior Education Strategist at Dell Technologies
Honorary Information Systems Business Analysis
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Katina Papulka's bio
Katina Papulkas is a Senior Education Strategist at Dell Technologies with more than 20 years of experience in education, spanning classroom teaching, leadership, assessment, and digital learning innovation. She works with K–12 and post-secondary institutions across Canada to design and implement technology-enabled learning strategies that enhance student engagement and outcomes. At Dell, Katina has played a key role in developing and scaling national programs such as Girls Who Game, Soar with Mentor Canada, and Data Dunkers, which support equitable access to learning opportunities for underserved students. She also leads a national AI use-case initiative, advancing safe, ethical, and human-centred approaches to artificial intelligence in education. A Women in AI Fellow with the EDSAFE AI Alliance, Katina is deeply committed to reimagining education as a future-ready, AI-enabled learning ecosystem.