Congratulations 2025 Asper Grads!

This June, 234 Bachelor of Commerce graduates and 34 new Stu Clark Graduate School alumni will walk the stage to accept their parchments, surrounded by their supporters and empowered to go out into the business world, lead positive change, and contribute to economic prosperity in Manitoba and beyond.

Here are just a few of the incredible Bisons celebrating at Spring Convocation 2025.

Emerging leaders take experiential learning and Asper Bachelor of Commerce into first career paths

SHAELYNN SU

Shaelynn Su graduates with a double major in international business and marketing, ready to enter the workforce with confidence and clarity.

“The BComm program has been instrumental in shaping and supporting my career goals. Through experiential learning and co-op terms, I’ve been able to gain real-world experience that helped me better understand my own management style, the work environments where I thrive, and the types of roles I genuinely enjoy,” she says.

In addition to her co-op terms (two at Callia Flowers and one with Online Business Systems), Su was very involved with the Commerce Students Association (CSA) serving as the National Business School Conference Co-Chair, External Events Coordinator, and Vice-President of Professional Development. She even had time to fit in an exchange term in Rouen, France!

With her studies complete for now, Su looks forward to starting her professional career with Prolex Media, creating strategic marketing plans and overseeing content shoots with the video team.

KAELAH HOFFMAN

Graduating with a major in marketing, Kaelah Hoffman began her degree in Fall 2020. To make the most of two years of remote learning, Hoffman joined the CSA First-Year Committee and 5 Days for the Homeless Committee in her first and second year respectively.

“A highlight of my time at Asper is definitely all the friends I made through the committees I was a part of. It felt really nice to be an active part of a community and feel excited to go to school,” she says.

Hoffman also became the first Asper student to complete an international exchange study term in Angers, France in her final term, completing coursework abroad while sharing experiences with friends made during her first years in the program.

Currently working full-time in sales and marketing at Altea Active, Hoffman is glad to continue honing her skills while she considers future paths, including further study and more exciting work opportunities.

NEON MERERE

Neon Merere graduates this year with a major in accounting, a path he had his sights set on from day one. “It has always been my passion,” he explains.

Merere will now work toward achieving his CPA designation. As he reflects on his time in the Asper Bachelor of Commerce program, he recalls the opportunities for growth and networking. After an alumnus advised him to attend as many events as he could, Merere opened himself to these chances to connect and build a network.

He also highlights the impact of the undergraduate program supports at Asper as well as the co-op program for not only empowering him to succeed in his degree, but also for helping him grow personally.

“The program has allowed me to be outgoing and think more critically. It instilled a spirit to strive for better and to care for others,” he says.

Merere completed three co-op terms with accounting firm KPMG, where he is now a Campus Ambassador.

REIS BEST

New Bachelor of Commerce graduate Reis Best completed his degree with a double major in Accounting and Marketing. From his first year at Asper, Best immersed himself in student life and leadership, seizing every opportunity to grow beyond the classroom.

His involvement began as Marketing Co-Chair on Asper’s First Year Committee and quickly expanded to leadership roles, including Director of Marketing for the 5 Days for Homeless campaign and Merchandise Coordinator for the Commerce Students’ Association (CSA). In 2024, Best served as the CSA’s Vice President Corporate Relations, where he led a team that secured over $180,000 in sponsorships from more than 70 companies, enriching countless student events and initiatives.

Beyond student leadership, Best also ran a freelance photography business, capturing professional headshots and covering major events like the Future of Indigenous Business Banquet and Commerce Carol.

Best credits the Asper BComm program — and the Career Development Centre in particular — with helping him navigate CPA recruitment and prepare for what’s next.

“I’ve learned that a BComm is what you make of it. The classroom gave me knowledge, but it was my involvement and the Asper community that gave me purpose. I’ve grown, connected, and found my path.”

Reis Best will be joining PwC as an Associate External Auditor in fall 2025 and plans to pursue his CPA designation.

Graduate students bring leadership experience and advanced strategic insights into their next chapter

ZORHREH GERVAIS, MBA

One of the 62 MBA graduates to walk the stage this year, Zohreh Gervais shares how her MBA experience led her to her current role with Osborne Village BIZ. Gervais is the Executive Director of the organization, which promotes the Osborne Village business district and enhances neighborhood experience.

“I probably wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply for my current position had it not been for the MBA. The MBA program taught me to see the value of my (somewhat unusual) skillset and experience while giving me the tools I needed to effectively apply this skillset across different industries,” she says.

During her MBA, Gervais also competed at the John Molson International Case Competition, Digital Innovation Case Competition, and the International Business and Ethics Case Competition (where her team swept the podium, bringing home three first-place wins).

Gervais, who focused on Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Leadership in her MBA, looks forward to applying her elevated strategic skillset, MBA studies, and case experience into her primary role with Osborne Village BIZ and into her production company, Neon Venus Productions.

Emily Wilson