Celebrating Asper’s Spring 2025 Medalist Winners

The Asper School of Business is proud to celebrate the achievements of our Spring 2025 graduates. Their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance has equipped them to succeed and thrive in a dynamic and evolving global landscape.
As part of this celebration, we are pleased to recognize our Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) medal winners: Conrad Pragnell (Gold), Liam Viagedor Tran (Silver), and Noam Robert Cockshott (Bronze).
Fun fact: Liam and Noam had the exact same degree GPA to three decimal places, so a tie-breaking mechanism had to be used to determine the Silver medalist.
These exceptional students achieved the highest academic standing among this year’s graduating class, and we commend them for their dedication and outstanding performance.

Conrad Pragnell – Gold medalist

Conrad Pragnell

Conrad Pragnell graduates from the Asper School of Business with a major in Actuarial Mathematics, which he started in the fall of 2019. Throughout his time at Asper, Conrad immersed himself in hands-on learning experiences that shaped both his academic and professional journey. From excelling in case competitions to gaining real-world experience through the co-op program , he made the most of every opportunity. He is currently working full-time at Wawanesa Life in the actuarial department, on the path toward full actuarial certification.

Which of the experiential/active learning opportunities offered at Asper did you pursue?
Conrad – Winning the 2023 Munich Re Cup case competition in Toronto was probably the biggest highlight of my degree. I have never persevered harder in my life than in the week leading up to that competition. By participating in the event, I greatly improved my presentation skills and, most importantly, learned how essential it is for teammates to trust one another and have each other’s backs.

Participating in the co-op program was also a great way to expand my network and leave a positive impression with potential future employers. My placements helped me develop skills in tools like Excel and actuarial modeling software and gave me familiarity with the day-to-day work of an actuary. The best part? I’m now working full-time with one of my former co-op employers!

What are you looking forward to now that you’ve completed your degree?
Conrad – There’s definitely a lot to look forward to as I start this next chapter. I want to move into my own place soon and hopefully do some more travelling over the next few years. That said, I hope some things never change—like spending time on my hobbies and staying close to the amazing friends and family in my life.

What’s next for you professionally or academically?
Conrad – I started working full-time at Wawanesa Life in the actuarial department this March, and I’m excited to keep working on meaningful and challenging projects. I also have quite a few actuarial exams left to complete, which will likely keep me busy for the next few years. Once they’re all done, I’ll officially be a fully certified actuary!

Liam Viagedor Tran – Silver Medalist

Liam Viagedor Tran

Liam Viagedor Tran graduates from the Asper School of Business with a major in Finance, which he started in the fall of 2021. During his time at Asper, Liam actively participated in both academic and extracurricular opportunities that shaped his personal and professional growth. From leading a sector team on the Price Student-Managed Investment Fund [https://www.pricesmif.com/] to facilitating promotions for Commerce Socials, he found ways to challenge himself and contribute to the community This fall, Liam will return to Asper to pursue his Master of Finance degree and continue building toward a career in asset or wealth management.

What are some highlights of your Asper experience?
Liam – I participated in the Price Student-Managed Investment Fund (PSMIF) as a portfolio manager. I gained valuable skills in asset management and was able to build investment theses based on detailed research. Learning alongside a group of intelligent peers in such a professional setting was a major highlight for me. The fund really gives students a leg up in investment analysis and valuation.
I also served as the Director of Promotions for the Commerce Socials Committee (CSA). It was a refreshing and creative experience to collaborate with the team and see the events come together.
Outside of academics, I played regularly in the UM Badminton Club and joined basketball intramurals for all three of my in-person years. These were great ways to stay active and manage stress.

As a member of the UM Finance Organization (UMFO), I participated in workshops and the annual Stock Market Challenge. UMFO is a great resource for any student interested in finance.

What are you looking forward to now that you’ve completed your degree?
Liam – I’m looking forward to travelling and discovering more of the world—living in Asia and teaching English for a year is something I hope to do in my 20s. I’m also excited to use everything I’ve learned to advance my career and give back to the people in my life. Skills like time management, resourcefulness, and communication will definitely help me navigate what’s next.
What’s next for you professionally or academically?
Liam – I’ll be starting the Master of Finance program at Asper in August, and I’m excited to meet new classmates and dive deeper into the field. I also plan to begin studying for the CFA Level 1 exam.
I’m open to exploring entrepreneurship, and I hope to find a career path that fits my strengths in research, organization, and adaptability. My current interests are in asset and wealth management, and I’d love to one day run my own business.

Noam Robert Cockshott – Bronze Medalist

Noam Robert Cockshott

Noam Cockshott joined Asper in the fall of 2023, transitioning from an economics degree to pursue something more hands-on. He graduates with a major in Business Analytics, driven by a desire to stay ahead in a world powered by big data. Now working full-time in the aviation industry, Noam is excited to keep learning, growing, and contributing to a field that inspires him.

What are some highlights of your Asper experience?
Noam – Having my first in-person classes after two years of remote learning during the pandemic was a major highlight. It reminded me how much I value learning in a classroom setting. Another big moment was my graduation ceremony—it marked the completion of my university journey and a major life milestone.

What are you looking forward to now that you’ve completed your degree?
Noam – I’m excited to gain real-world experience and keep developing skills that will help me become the person I need to be to achieve my goals and ambitions.

What’s next for you professionally or academically?
Noam – I’m thrilled to continue working as a Customer Account Leader Associate at StandardAero. I’m part of a fantastic team that’s passionate about the aviation industry, and I’m constantly learning about the inner workings of gas turbine engines. I’m grateful for this opportunity to grow in a company that values quality, engineering, and customer service—and to be part of what keeps planes flying.
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Congratulations to the 2025 Asper medal winners!
Learn more about staying connected as one of over 22,000 Asper School of Business alumni here.

Asper staff