Registered nurse and Royal Canadian Navy reservist Hong Yan Melody Pan has been awarded Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s 2025 Alumni Excellence Award.
Each year, the KPU Alumni Association recognizes exceptional alumni who have demonstrated excellence through their achievements and enhanced the reputation of the university through outstanding professional, business or community endeavours.
Pan graduated from KPU’s bachelor of science in nursing program in 2008, which led to a thriving career in nursing and military service, according to a press release.
As an immigrant from China, Pan faced significant challenges, including adapting to a new language, culture and professional landscape.
“Our entire KPU cohort were full-time nurses balancing parenting, careers and education,” Pan recalled.
“KPU supported our needs and created a space for us to succeed. I've since worked with outstanding KPU alumni I deeply admire.”
Currently pursuing a doctorate of education in organizational leadership in health administration, Pan continues to work at the intersection of health equity, inclusive leadership and public service, the release notes.
Pan credits KPU with helping her find her leadership voice.
“Great leaders create leaders, and KPU is a true leader in higher education,” she said in a press release.
“I came from a background where leadership meant staying quiet, but at KPU, open dialogue was encouraged — it changed my perspective. KPU shapes individuals who go on to lead and make lasting contributions to health care in B.C. and beyond.”
Pan is actively engaged in her community through local neighbourhood volunteering and Navy outreach initiatives. In recognition of her longstanding commitment to community service, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.
As a navy reservist, Pan supports women and visible minority sailors from diverse multicultural backgrounds, contributing to greater inclusivity and morale within the Canadian Armed Forces.
She also advocates for internationally-educated nurses and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion — principles that played a key role in her success as a student at KPU.
“Many immigrants arrive in Canada without financial or familial support,” she explained. “KPU gave people like me, members of a marginalized group, a fair start. They gave us the platform that we needed to take off.”
Her colleague and fellow KPU alumna, Mei Liu, nominated Pan because she exemplifies how dedication, resilience and empathy can drive meaningful change. Liu said Pan’s journey from nursing student to a leader in health care and the Canadian Navy showcases the power of lifelong learning and perseverance.
Nancy Armitage, executive director of the KPU Alumni Association, said the university is pleased to recognize Pan with this year’s Alumni Excellence Award.
“With her recent accomplishments and dedicated service to both her community and her country, Melody serves as a wonderful example to students and alumni, and we are immensely proud of her,” Armitage said in a press release.
Pan hopes her experience inspires current KPU students to find their voice and use both informal and formal leadership to drive positive change in their communities.
“Find your internal leadership,” she said. “Don’t just be a people-pleaser. Know who you are and what your purpose is. Leadership isn’t about title; it’s about using your power and privilege to serve others.”
