Thompson Rivers University

06/08/2026

During Indigenous History Month, we are reminded that learning from Indigenous communities enriches education, tourism and the ways we connect with each other.

06/08/2026

What starts with a simple hello can lead to connection, friendship and a greater sense of belonging.

Six new Happy to Chat benches have been installed across Thompson Rivers University’s Kamloops campus. Featuring student-created artwork and built by TRU students, the benches invite people to sit together, start a conversation and help reduce loneliness and social isolation.

The project brought together students and employees from nursing, visual arts, trades, Student Services and other areas across the university.

Read the story: https://inside.tru.ca/2026/06/04/happy-to-chat-benches-invite-conversation-and-community-at-tru/

Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Arts TRU Trades & Technology TRU Student Life

06/08/2026

From Kamloops to Nepal and everywhere in between, School of Nursing valedictorian Kieran Gundel has seen health care from all sides. 🩺

He completed clinical placements in high-acuity settings at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH), including his final practicum on 7 North and earned his BCIT Dysrhythmia Interpretation certification.

A field experience at the Dhulikhel hospital in Nepal broadened his understanding of global health and care in resource-limited environments.

Kieran looks forward to beginning his nursing career at RIH and contributing to culturally safe, equitable; and relationship-centered healthcare!

06/05/2026

Faculty of Arts valedictorian Monty leaves TRU having spent their time focused on people, mental health and real impact.

On campus, they supported students through writing support and wellness initiatives, while also contributing to research with the Innovation for Social Good Research Cluster.

In the community, they were a support worker at Canucks Autism Network and a mental health crisis responder for Community Response, Crisis-Led (CRCL), a partnership program between Canadian Mental Health Association and Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society.

Some of the many achievements they received include the Peer Mentor of the Month, TRU Foundation Undergraduate Academic Scholarship and TRU Leadership Entrance Scholarship.

Next step: a master’s in counselling psychology. Congratulations, Monty!

06/04/2026

🏆 Double congratulations for TRU Chemistry!

Chemical Biology students Aaron Okano and Tasneem Idris were recognized at the 2026 Western Canadian Undergraduate Chemistry Conference, held May 16–18 at UBC.

Aaron received the award for Best Analytical Poster Presentation, while Tasneem earned Best Environmental Poster Presentation.
Their award-winning research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Kingsley Donkor.

Way to represent TRU! 👏

06/04/2026

Congratulations to all the recipients! 🎉

Last week we held our annual awards lunch to congratulate the students, staff and faculty that recieved TRU Environmental Sustainability Achievement Awards.

Congratulations to all recipients who are doing great work.

Order of people in the photo:

🏆 Tory Anchikoski: Winner of TRU Environmental Sustainability Achievement Award for Faculty and Staff (faculty member)
🌳 Jayne MacKinlay: Co-sponsor of TRU Herbinlay Happy Planet Award
🏆Emerson Goodall: Winner of TRU Environmental Sustainability Achievement Award for Students
🏆John Kang: Winner of the TRU Herbinlay Happy Planet Award
🏆 Rabeya Shikdar Orpa: Winner of TRU Environmental Sustainability Achievement Award for Students
🌳 Shelley Church: Member of the TRU Sustainability Awards subcommittee
🌳 James Gordon: Member of the TRU Sustainability Awards subcommittee
🌳Niki Remesz: Member of the TRU Sustainability Awards subcommittee

Not pictured are other members of the TRU Sustainability Awards subcommittee: Baldev Pooni and Amie Schellenberg.

06/01/2026

Wildfire expert Dr. Mike Flannigan has launched a new Canada Fire Weather Outlook designed to provide advance notice of areas that may experience elevated fire weather conditions.

The outlook offers information that can support planning and decision-making for individuals, communities and others involved in wildfire response.

“This outlook is a first step toward building a national early warning system for landscape fire in Canada,” said Flannigan.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/cEhX50Z6rFf

06/01/2026

A strong work ethic and commitment to learning defined School of Trades & Technology valedictorian Liam Taylor’s time at TRU.⚡

In the Power Engineering Technology Certificate, Liam gained valuable practical skills and is being recognized for both his academic performance and peer support!

Now, he’s looking ahead at a career in the power engineering industry while continuing his education toward a Third Class certification.

Join us in sharing best wishes with Liam in the comments!

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

Noah Fischer (he/him), TRU Gender & Sexual Diversity Office manager, reflects on the purpose of Pride:

“As we celebrate and participate in q***r culture and engage with the community throughout the month of June, it’s necessary to acknowledge the roots of the movement.

Pride may look like a party, but it is a protest. Since the first organized parade in 1970, a year after the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969, the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community and allies have been advocating for their rights, freedoms, and safety.

While there’s been growth and change, it’s always been a fight, more than ever, as progress is reversed. However, Pride continues to play a pivotal and irreplaceable role in ongoing advocacy, outreach, and safety.”

Join Noah and the Office of EDI and AR in the Kamloops Pride Parade!

🗓️ Sunday, June 14
⏰ 11 a.m. (please arrive before 10:30 a.m.)
📍 2nd Ave and St. Paul Street, Kamloops

The deadline to register is June 8.

Register to march with Noah and the Office of EDI and AR:
https://www.tru.ca/vpacademic/edi-ar-office/kamloops-pride-parade-registration.html

05/30/2026

For Valedictorian Deonte McCarthy, his law studies were balanced with time on the court leading the TRU Faculty of Law’s HoopLaw team to back-to-back top fundraising awards in B.C. 🏀

Deonte competed in the Kawaskimhon National Aboriginal Moot, strengthening his advocacy skills and deepened his grasp of Indigenous law issues. On campus, he supported the Faculty of Law as a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant.

Join us in congratulating him on this incredible milestone!