2026 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients
A story of career success shaped by determination and drive. A chef using food as a powerful tool for connection and community. A compassionate leader improving lives through service and advocacy. A changemaker challenging norms and opening doors for others. And an honorary alumna whose impact resonates far beyond the classroom.
On May 26, Vancouver Community College (VCC) recognized five Outstanding Alumni Award (OAA) recipients at a special on-campus reception. The OAAs honour the VCC alumni and supporters who have enhanced the reputation of the College through their outstanding career or community achievements. This year, VCC received 14 nominations across five categories of recognition, representing 13 VCC departments.
“Tonight is one of my favourite events at VCC because it reminds us, in the most powerful way possible, why institutions like Vancouver Community College matter,” said President and CEO Ajay Patel, who spoke at the reception. “When you look across this year’s honourees, you see the incredible breadth of what VCC alumni and partners contribute to our communities and to the world. Each of them has used their success not only to advance themselves, but to create opportunity, belonging, visibility, and hope for others. That is leadership. And honestly, that is the spirit of VCC.”
Congratulations to VCC's most recent Outstanding Alumni Award recipients!
Career Success: Tyler Duncan
Tyler Duncan has built an extraordinary international career as a baritone, performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. A graduate of VCC’s Music program, Tyler has appeared in numerous productions at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and has performed with leading orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, among many others In addition to his performance work, he has shared his expertise as a faculty member at Bard College at Annandale-on-Hudson, one of North America’s leading music institutions. Tyler’s achievements reflect a career defined by excellence, artistry, and global impact.
Community Contribution: Chef Helen Orimaco‑Pumatong
Chef Helen Orimaco‑Pumatong is a dedicated educator and community leader whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. As a Hospitality Management Instructor at VCC, she is deeply committed to creating opportunities for her students: regularly recruiting and mentoring them to participate in community events, helping them gain essential hands-on experience and build confidence in the workforce. Through her guidance, many students have accessed meaningful employment pathways that might otherwise have been out of reach. Known for her generosity, mentorship, and tireless support, Helen continues to strengthen both her students and the broader community through her work.
Community Contribution: Dr. Cheryl Ward
Dr. Cheryl Ward, Kwakwaka’wakw from the ‘Namgis First Nation, is a respected leader whose work advances Indigenous education, cultural safety, and reconciliation. As Reconciliation Lead with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Cheryl has developed and delivered impactful training programs that challenge anti-Indigenous racism and support meaningful learning and change. Her work includes the widely recognized San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, as well as VCC’s Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism in Adult Learning Environments program. Through her leadership, Cheryl continues to shape more inclusive, informed, and equitable spaces in education and beyond.
Changemaker: Santana Walker
Santana Walker is an innovative artist and entrepreneur whose work bridges culture, creativity, and community. As the owner of Revive “Wa áynexwi7” Day Spa, she has spent over a decade mentoring and employing emerging professionals, with a focus on supporting young Indigenous individuals in building meaningful careers. Through her distinctive nail art, Santana has brought Coast Salish formline design into contemporary aesthetics, creating space for cultural expression and connection. Her work has gained recognition across North America, and her commitment to uplifting others continues to inspire the next generation of artists and creators.
Honorary Alumna: Minakshi Bagai
Minakshi Bagai is a compassionate and collaborative leader whose work has had a lasting impact on communities across British Columbia. As Executive Director of Community Services at SOURCES Community Resource Centres, she oversees programs that support thousands of individuals each year through housing, employment, legal services, and social supports. Since arriving in Canada, she has dedicated her career to empowering vulnerable individuals and families with dignity and respect. Through her leadership, strong partnerships between VCC and SOURCES have created valuable training and employment pathways for learners. Her commitment to service, partnership, and community impact makes her a truly deserving Honorary Alumna.
View photos of the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards.
Thank you to this year’s OAA Selection Committee members for their time and leadership in granting the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards.
Tim Ellison, Alumni Representative & VCC Hospitality Management Instructor
Moira Gookstetter, Executive Director, VCC Foundation
Shirley Lew, Dean, VCC Arts & Sciences
Adrian Lipsett, Dean, VCC Continuing Studies
Charnelle McClure, Executive Director, VCC Marketing & Communications
Suzanne Paterson, CUPE Representative
Jessie Williams, Dean, VCC Indigenous Initiatives
Christie Sparklingeyes, VCC Board of Governors Representative
About VCC’s Outstanding Alumni Awards
The OAA program is designed to honour outstanding VCC alumni who have enhanced the reputation of the college through their significant achievements and contributions to their industries, communities, and beyond. Since the awards’ inception in 2005, VCC has recognized 83 outstanding alumni from VCC programs, including nine honorary alumni and one lifetime achievement award.