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Events at UBC Sauder

Commerce Last Lecture x Sauder Grad Night

A four‑panel collage showing moments from two UBC Sauder social events: Commerce Last Lecture, with large groups gathered for speeches and applause, and Sauder Grad Night (bottom right), where attendees in formal attire pose together at a banquet-style celebration.
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Before you don the cap and gown. 
Before you cross the stage. 
Before you have your degree in hand. 

For the first time in UBC Sauder history, our two biggest pre-graduation celebrations—Commerce Last Lecture & Sauder Grad Night—are merging into one unforgettable night for the Class of 2026. This is the exciting culmination of your time at UBC Sauder as you finish your chapter as a student and officially become an alum. Join your friends at the Chan Centre on April 1 to commemorate every late-night study session, every final presentation and every accomplishment that has brought you to this moment.  

The final lecture 

Hosted by UBC Sauder Dean Darren Dahl, this special event convenes your class for a last lecture by Devon Thompson (MBA’12), VP of Business Markets at RBC. Commerce Last Lecture is a cherished milestone and celebration of your cohort’s achievements, with a champagne toast led by a faculty member of your choosing. Connect one last time before taking your place among a tight-knit global community of 52,000+ changemakers.

Sauder Grad Night—reimagined 

Hosted by the Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS), the theme of this cocktail-formal portion of the night is “Enchanted Forest.” What began under the sea at SPARK 2022 has grown, evolved and flourished with you. Nosh on a generous spread of complimentary bites and a drink as the party kicks off on the dance floor with a live DJ and a performance by the Jazz Club. Snap a group photo, get a custom caricature or stop by the prize wheel to win exclusive UBC Sauder swag.

Contest: A look back 

Submit your favourite snapshots from your school days when you register to make sure they are featured in our event slideshow. Anyone who shares their pictures is automatically entered to win one of two $100 Lululemon gift cards.

This event is open to UBC Sauder BCom students who plan to graduate in May or November 2026, as well as students who completed their BCom in November 2025.

Registration closes March 25 

 

 

Speaker

Profile

Devon Thompson Headshot

Devon Thompson (MBA’12)

VP of Business Markets at RBC, 2026 Alumni Builder Award recipient

Devon Thompson is a dedicated leader, mentor, and community builder with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Known for her ability to foster strong teams and support entrepreneurs across Canada, she brings deep expertise in leadership, capital financing, client relationships, and risk management. Devon has led both local and national teams, with a consistent focus on developing future-ready talent, strengthening client engagement, and driving meaningful market impact.

A deeply engaged alum of UBC Sauder, Devon has contributed as a mentor, keynote speaker, club participant, and former VP Academic for both the MBA Student Society and the FTMBA Council. She is a strong champion for UBC Sauder within RBC, actively supporting hiring, industry partnerships, and alumni engagement.

Recognized as an Influential Woman in Finance by BC Business and nominated for a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, Devon is also an accomplished advisor and board member. She serves time as a mentor at the UBC Sauder School of Business, and advises the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Scale-up Centre for SMEs. Her commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and giving back continues to make a lasting impact across the communities she serves.

Questions?

Contact: alumni@sauder.ubc.ca