Shaping the Future: Ambrose 2026 Valedictorians

March 30, 2026 - Faculty of Arts and Sciences - Ambrose University, Calgary, Alberta 

Three women. Three unique journeys. One remarkable achievement.

For Diana Hruba, Sydney Streu, and Michelle Ko, being named valedictorian for the Class of 2026 in their respective programs at Ambrose University is both a meaningful honour and a reflection of years shaped by growth, perseverance, faith, and purpose.

Though each of their journeys has unfolded differently, they are united by a shared commitment to academic excellence, servant leadership, and deep engagement in the Ambrose community.

As they prepare to cross the convocation stage, we celebrate not only what they have achieved, but who they have become along the way.

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Diana Hruba

For Diana, valedictorian for Undergraduate, being named valedictorian is less about chasing recognition and more about what that recognition represents.

“It’s not something I was actively working toward, but something that came from genuinely showing up and being involved. It is encouraging when others notice it, and it also helps me see it for myself; that I am capable and that my efforts do matter.”

That sense of quiet consistency and commitment has shaped her experience at Ambrose. Even in the busyness of student life, some of her most meaningful memories were found in the ordinary moments - like studying late into the semester with close friends in an empty cafeteria, pausing between assignments to laugh and unwind in the massage chair. As she looks ahead, Diana carries with her not only the knowledge she has gained, but also a deepened understanding of how to live out her faith in the world around her.

“I believe Ambrose has prepared me for what’s ahead by teaching me about reaching out, extending God’s kingdom, and showing His love and kindness in how I treat people.”

Diana currently works part-time as a Marketing intern at Centex Petroleum and plans on moving into a full-time position.

Sydney Streu

For Sydney, valedictorian for the School of Education, one of the most defining lessons from her time at Ambrose came in the form of a simple but powerful encouragement from one of her professors.

“If my Ambrose experience had a theme or title, it would be, ‘You can’t do it wrong, you can only do it more right.’ These are words my professor, Eric Perrault, spoke to my peers and me in our first year to encourage us to be confident, try new things, and not overthink every single thing we are doing.”

That mindset became a guiding principle throughout Sydney’s university journey; one that helped her release the pressure of perfectionism and instead embrace the courage to begin. Fittingly, she is already stepping into her next chapter and will begin teaching this April.

Her story is a reminder that growth often comes not from having everything figured out, but from being willing to start.

Sydney will begin teaching at the same school where she completed a practicum. She also plans to take some time off in summer to travel, then resume teaching full-time in the Fall.

Michelle Ko

For Michelle, valedictorian for Ambrose Seminary, her time at Ambrose has been deeply formative - academically, spiritually, and vocationally.

“My time at Ambrose Seminary has been deeply formative. It has been a place where I’ve learned from professors who are not only knowledgeable, but genuinely passionate about helping us know God more and discern how He is inviting us into His work in the world.”

Michelle reflects on her journey as one that has shaped her into a more thoughtful and compassionate pastor, while also giving her the opportunity to learn in a diverse and cross-cultural community.

When asked what advice she would offer to students just beginning their own Ambrose journey, she shared this encouragement:

“Come with an open heart, mind, and spirit to what God wants to teach you in this season and allow God to shape and form you during your time here.”

Her words capture the heart of the Ambrose experience: one of learning, formation, and openness to what God is doing.

After graduation, Michelle will be pursuing opportunities to serve and invest in a community. As well, Michelle will be stepping into a new season of marriage and is excited to see how life will continue to unfold.

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To our Class of 2026 valedictorians, thank you for the example you have set through your dedication, leadership, and perseverance. The entire Ambrose community celebrates you and all that lies ahead.