Meet Mihai Covaser, co-winner of the 2025 Walley Lightbody Award in Law:
Name: Mihai Covaser
Program: Bachelor of Arts double major in Philosophy, Political Science and Economics, and French
Graduated: June 2025
Hometown: Kelowna, British Columbia
What drew you to this program, and how did it shape your academic path?
I was attracted to the PPE program by the prospect of challenging myself to study these three deeply interrelated fields in preparation for further legal studies. The fact that this unique opportunity was available to me so close to home and in a tightly-knit, community-oriented university was a true stroke of good fortune. I am more passionate than ever about attending law school and working in the legal profession in the future.
Were there any standout courses or faculty members who influenced your journey?
I think very highly of the contributions Dr. Geoffrey Sigalet, Dr. Andrew Irvine and Dr. Renaud-Philippe Garner made to my UBCO experience. Their expertise in their respective fields is only matched by their skill in communicating their passion to their students and their desire to see students succeed. In their courses, I cultivated not only practical historical and theoretical knowledge but also critical thinking and analysis skills, which will be crucial in my future education.
What made you decide to pursue a career in law?
Since I was young, I felt drawn to the public-facing, justice-oriented role embodied by lawyers I saw in the media and in my community. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have only become more attracted to the wide variety of career paths available with a legal education and to the complexity and vital importance of legal theory in our democratic system.
How did your involvement in the department or on campus help you prepare for law school?
Aside from the courses themselves, my involvement in the PPE department has given me a wealth of experience to draw upon when I get to law school. I have had the chance to meet prominent figures in the Canadian judiciary and academia, attended talks that challenged and enriched my worldview and made connections with peers who I have no doubt will shape the legal and political professions in significant ways. I have grown as a person and become much more deeply connected as a result of my involvement here and in other campus initiatives, such as the UBC Accessibility Committee.
What was the application process like for the Walley Lightbody Award in Law?
The application process for this award is straightforward and should not deter anyone from applying. However, it demands commitment to law as one’s chosen career path and evidence of academic excellence supporting that goal.
How did it feel to receive the award?
Receiving this award has reinforced my pride in and appreciation for the UBCO PPE department and its commitment to student excellence. I feel encouraged to pursue my passion and thankful that my potential has been recognized by my undergraduate community.
How has the award helped you as you prepare for your next chapter?
Relocating to pursue an educational path as expensive as law school is no simple feat. The Walley Lightbody award has helped me attend my dream school, McGill University, and continue my career journey with additional support.
What are your future plans?
I plan to explore fields such as public law, human rights law, and entertainment law at McGill University, where I will graduate with a BCL and JD dual distinction. Then, I intend to return to BC to article and begin practicing while continuing my efforts as an accessibility advocate.
What advice would you give future students?
While it may be tempting to subscribe to a “C’s get degrees” mentality at the undergraduate level to make it easier to get by, you should not be afraid to push yourself to greater heights. It is still possible to maintain balance while achieving high standards of academic success and that effort, fueled by passion for a particular field of study, pays off greatly in the end.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the program/department or the donor?
Thank you to the faculty and staff of the PPE department at UBCO for your incredible advocacy in support of free academic inquiry and the global scholarly community. Thank you also to the generous donors who acknowledge students who strive to make the most of their undergraduate studies and help propel them to great success.