TRU celebrates convocations in China
CHINA – In late June, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) celebrated two convocations with partnering universities in China. An outstanding alumni event further showcased what’s possible…
Gaglardi by the numbers
4,067
students pursued a business and economics education
83
full-time faculty are engaged in teaching, learning and research
24
programs are available, from entry-level certificates to master’s degrees
1,273
credentials were awarded to graduates
21,792
alumni form a powerful network of all of TRU Gaglardi’s graduates to date
“At TRU Gaglardi, we educate the next wave of leaders, changemakers, researchers and innovators — professionals who will make their mark on the world by producing value, leading responsibly and creating solutions to complex problems. This report highlights some of the remarkable initiatives and achievements that brought that mission to life over the past year.”
- Dr. Ehsan Latif
Interim Dean, Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics
Learning by doing Education for the real world
“My time at TRU Gaglardi has been defined by opportunities to apply classroom learning in real, tangible ways. The Wolves’ Den competition was especially impactful, giving me the chance to introduce my venture, Paws and Poses, to Canada. It was more than a pitch competition, it was an experience that strengthened my confidence, sharpened my business skills, and showed me the power of learning by doing.”
- Gunveet Singh, TRU Gaglardi alum (Post-Baccalaureate Diploma ’25)
Graduate Professional Success program
We welcomed our first student cohort to the brand-new Graduate Professional Success (GPS) program. GPS is an intensive co-curricular experience that helps students develop in-demand soft skills and build industry connections to pave the way for career success.
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Wolves’ Den student pitch competition
We pioneered Wolves’ Den, a Dragons’ Den style competition where TRU students pitch their business ideas to expert judges for a chance to win funding for their business. This event was generously sponsored by the John Dobson Foundation.
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TRU Student Investment Fund
Members of TRU’s student investment fund (TRUSIF) visited PenderFund Capital Management, an investment firm located in Vancouver. Students interacted with the fixed income, venture capital, and equity teams, catching a glimpse into what these teams do, the skills they use and things they look for when recruiting new grads. Stay up-to-date on everything TRUSIF by following them online:
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Business simulation competition
Our annual business simulation competition invited TRU students to test their hand at entrepreneurship by playing a fast-paced, immersive computer game. Competing solo or in pairs, students navigated realistic challenges and made high-stakes decisions to lead their virtual business to success.
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Bank of Canada governor’s challenge
A group of undergraduate economics students participated in the Bank of Canada’s Governor’s Challenge, a national competition where university students present interest rate recommendations to a panel of experts.
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Wicked problems
We teach students to tackle wicked problems with innovative solutions. Explore how students in Dr. Tolulope Oluwafemi’s small business management class address complex challenges and validate their ideas.
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“At TRU Gaglardi, we see social media as a tool for connection — with our current and future students, our faculty, staff, alumni and wider community. Over the past year, we have worked more intentionally to shift our social media content toward building a sense of belonging and pride. Follow along as we celebrate our people and highlight the amazing things happening at our school!”
- Katie Knorr
Senior Communications Consultant
A warm welcome
Dean Mike Henry welcomed our students to the fall 2024 term at the TRUSU Back-to-school BBQ.
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How do you pronounce “Gaglardi”?
We put our students’ linguistic knowledge to the test and asked them how they pronounced “Gaglardi.”
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Faculty spotlight
Our courses are taught by industry leading professors and researchers.
Get to know professor Kai Bauman
Fit check
Gaglardi staff and faculty showcase their lecture-ready looks and coffee-break chic office outfits.
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Day in the life
BBA student and WolfPack athlete Matthew Hamilton shares what a day in his life looks like at TRU.
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From inquiry to impact Research and thought leadership
“TRU Gaglardi students and faculty make a difference in our community. They are a vital source of fresh ideas and perspectives that enrich our city’s businesses, institutions and civic life. Through the school’s carbon accounting program, I was able to engage a research student to help analyze my business’s carbon footprint and identify potential energy savings. This is a fantastic program!”
- Mitchell Forgie, owner of Red Beard Café
Student research
Economics professor Dr. Peter Tsigaris guided his students through the development of three research anthologies available to the public:
- In the Shadow of the Hills examines some of the socio-economic challenges facing Kamloops and offers potential solutions.
- The Value of Lakes Around the Secwépemc Territory analyses the annual flow of ecosystem services provided by several Secwépemc lakes and assesses their full value.
- Navigating Climate Economics investigates the economic challenges and opportunities arising from the global climate crisis.
Dementia and air pollution
Dr. Meng Sun speaks with CFJC Today about his research, which explores a causal link between air pollution and incidences of dementia. His findings suggest that air pollution regulations could reduce the incidence of dementia and alleviate associated healthcare costs.
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Reducing greenhouse gases in Kamloops
Graduate students measure the carbon footprint of local businesses and recommend mitigation strategies as part of Gaglardi’s community carbon accounting program (C2AP) previously sponsored by TELUS.
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Innovating education with AI
TRU Gaglardi hosted its annual AI summit, bringing together educators, students and industry leaders to explore the role of generative AI in business, education and society.
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Environment and sustainability
In the spring of 2025, the school held its fourth annual environment and sustainability research workshop featuring a keynote address, rapid-fire research talks, student poster presentations and networking opportunities.
Experts in the news
Our faculty have provided expert commentary on topical issues, such as economic uncertainty, president Donald Trump’s trade war, and the removal of the consumer carbon tax.
Excellence in action Shining a light on achievement
“It has been inspiring to collaborate with TRU Gaglardi faculty over the past year as we updated the school’s strategic direction and advanced work toward accreditation. The school's commitment to excellence — defined through experiential learning, impactful research and strong community partnerships — equips students to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society. I am proud to support a school that develops confident, job-ready graduates deeply rooted in the community.”
- Kate Stebbings, Deans’ Advisory Council Member and Strategic Planning Consultant for TRU Gaglardi
Award-winning teaching
Two of our faculty received prestigious recognitions from TRU: Dr. Trent Tucker, associate teaching professor, was awarded the President’s Distinguished Teacher Award, and Dr. Peter Tsigaris, professor, received the TRU Undergraduate Research Mentor Award.
Recognizing our own
The following faculty and staff were recognized for their contributions to service, research and teaching through TRU Gaglardi awards:
- Dean’s Award – Excellence in Service: Dr. Hasnat Dewan
- Dean’s Award – Excellence in Research: Dr. Tolulope Oluwafemi
- Dean’s Award – Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Mohsin Jat
- Faculty Council Award – Excellence in Service: Dr. Liz Yanmin Gao
- Faculty Council Award – Excellence in Research: Dr. Zubair Raja
- Faculty Council Award – Excellence in Teaching: Amy Tucker
- TRU Gaglardi Staff Excellence Award: Amy Berard
A win for systems thinking
Jenna Sims, a Bachelor of Health Science student minoring in business leadership, won the TRU Map the System (MTS) challenge and received two grants at the Canada-wide MTS competition to fund her research on B.C.’s primary care crisis.
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Success at the MBA Games
Our MBA students put their athletic prowess and unshakeable spirit on display in the provincial and national MBA Games, scoring best overall in athletics and first in spirit, respectively.
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First place at Three Minute Thesis
Poornima Gunasekera, Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management student, won first place at TRU’s Three Minute Thesis competition. Competing against 16 other graduate students, Poornima also won the people’s choice award, for her research on cellphone recycling.
Celebrating excellence at convocation
At the June 2025 convocation, we celebrated our graduands and recognized the achievements of the following individuals:
Medal winners
- Ashley Thomson – Bachelor of Business Administration
- Wesley Villanueva – Bachelor of Commerce
- Tana-Ray Jones – Master of Business Administration
- Fariah Dina – Master of Environmental Economics and Management
- Mushran Siddiqui – Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Management
Valedictorians
- Sourajita Panda
- Krixia Padilla
Professor Emeritus
- Dr. Raymond Cox
Honorary degree recipient
- Fiona Chan – Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
MBA alum becomes CIBA executive director
Gaglardi MBA grad Sachin Singh is driving innovation and growth across the interior as recently named executive director of the Central Interior Business Accelerator (CIBA).
Learn MoreTRU Gaglardi Dean's Advisory Council
Our school is supported by a broad cross-section of leaders in business, government, media and public sectors, reflecting the diversity of our community.
Peter Antturi
President
Anglemont Financial Services Ltd.
Dr. Deborah Buszard
Professor Emerita
UBC and McGill University
Fiona Chan
Retired, previously AVP
Credit Risk Management Business Development of Canada
Beverley Desantis
Representative
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Paul Donald
Former CEO
Simpcw Resources Group
Jason Fawcett
President
Kelson Group
Dr. Richard Game
COO
Evans Consoles Corporation
Rod Graham
Board Member
Alberta Energy Regulator
Amanda Hobson
Senior Finance Executive and Board Member
Jack Juusola
Dealer
Kamloops Canadian Tire
Christopher Krywulak
Founder and Lead (CEO)
Chrysalis
Adam Miron
Interim-CEO and Chair
Brane Capital
Andreas Pylarinos
Owner
AK Solutions Inc.
Dan Rink
President
AI Fabric, Bell, and CEO, iTel Networks Inc.
Brendan Shaw
Managing Broker
Brendan Shaw Real Estate
Kate Stebbings
Senior Engagement and Communications Consultant
Todd Stone
President and CEO
Association for Mineral Exploration
Thank you To our 2024-2025 donors
Aberdeen Mall Kamloops
Adina Gray
Aniljit Uppal
Anonymous
Aramark Canada Ltd.
Avanti CPA
Bannister Automotive Group
BC CPA Education Foundation
Bob & Mirella Holden
Brent & Kari Ashby
Brian & Linda Turner
Bruce & Theresa Gysel
Campbell & Schreurs Chartered Professional Accountants Inc.
Chemo RV
CIBC
Community Futures Thompson Country
Costco Wholesale Canada
Daniel Thompson
Doane Grant Thornton
Dr. Alan Shaver
Dr. Bruce Martin
Dr. Ken Lepin
Dr. Laura Lamb
Dr. Peter Tsigaris & Lian Dumouchel
Dr. Robert Androkovich
Dr. Terry & Lisa Lake
Drs. Michael Henry & Jane Hewes
Elizabeth Charles
ETSI-BC (Economic Trust of the Southern Interior)
Fiona Chan
First West Credit Union
Fiscal Realities Economists Ltd.
Frank & Shirley Luciani
Guy Mercier & Family
Harvey & Barbara Comazzetto
ICP Insurance Solutions
IndoCan Links
Jack & Jill Juusola
James McCreath Family
Jason & Pamela Fawcett
John Dobson Foundation
Kelson Group
KPMG LLP & KPMG Foundation
Michael & Melissa Oatway
MNP LLP
NRI Distribution Inc.
Paul & Sue Siluch
Paul Mumford & Lindsay Holmes
Paula Presta
Philip & Melissa Arkinstall
Pylarinos Family
Raymond James Canada Ltd.
RBC & RBC Foundation
Rob & Kristin Williamson
Rudi Eiter & Leni Reichor
Ryan Adkin
Scotiabank
Starr & Gayle Carson
TELUS Sustainability and Environment
The Daley Family
The Game Family
Tom Adkin
Troylana & Bart Manson
Valley First
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