Meet Olivia Martiskainen, co-winner of the 2025 Walley Lightbody Award in Law:

Name: Olivia Martiskainen
Program: Economics
Graduated: June 2025

What drew you to this program, and how did it shape your academic path?
I was drawn to the department for its interdisciplinary approach, which allowed me to explore the connections between economics, political science, and philosophy. This breadth helped shape my critical thinking and sharpened my interest in systemic issues like inequality and public policy. The program gave me the academic foundation and confidence to pursue law.

Were there any standout courses or faculty members who influenced your journey?
Courses in public economics, law and economics, and healthcare economics stood out to me for their real-world relevance and complexity. Professors who encouraged open discussion and critical inquiry had a lasting impact on my academic development. Their mentorship and feedback pushed me to remain open-minded and communicate my opinions more effectively.

What made you decide to pursue a career in law?
Through my academic work and community engagement, I developed a strong interest in how laws shape economic and social outcomes. I want to work in areas like labour or public interest law to help build more equitable systems. Law offers the tools to advocate for meaningful change and uphold justice.

How did your involvement in the department or on campus help you prepare for law school?
Serving as a teaching assistant and volunteering in community health and cultural organizations helped me develop strong communication and leadership skills. I was also involved in multiple student clubs and sports, which helped me make new friends and connections and improve my networking skills. These hands-on experiences complemented my academic studies and prepared me for the demands of law school.

What was the application process like for the Walley Lightbody Award in Law?
I appreciated that the application process was relatively straightforward. The application encouraged me to reflect on how my studies, values, and future goals aligned with the purpose of the award, and I liked that there was some flexibility introduced by being able to write a letter of intent rather than answer a set of questions.

How did it feel to receive the award?
I am honoured and grateful to be selected from what I have heard was a very competitive and well-qualified group of applicants. It felt rewarding to have my academic and professional goals recognized in this way.

How has the award helped you as you prepare for your next chapter?
The award has eased financial stress, allowing me to focus more on preparing for law school entrance and related opportunities. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the support available for students pursuing socially meaningful careers. The recognition has motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my future studies.

What are your future plans?
I will begin law school in the fall at McGill University in Montreal. I am excited to learn more about the different fields of law and see what fits my interests and capabilities. Currently, I am feeling more drawn toward public interest or public policy focused legal fields, but this may change.

What advice would you give future students?
Take advantage of every opportunity to connect what you learn in the classroom to real-world issues. Always say yes to the chance to learn something new. Don’t be afraid to pursue a non-linear or non-traditional path, experiences outside of academics or outside of your field of study can be just as formative and give you many transferable skills.

Is there anything you’d like to say to the program/department or the donor?
I’m deeply thankful to the department for its encouragement and to Mr. Walley Lightbody for his generosity in supporting future legal professionals. This award has made a difference for me and affirmed my commitment to the study of law. Your support inspires me to keep pushing forward.

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.

For many, Mihai Covaser is a prime example of the value of always putting the emphasis on what we can do, rather than what we cannot do.

Covaser, who graduated from UBCO yesterday with a Bachelor of Arts double major in Philosophy, Political Science and Economics, and French, is a top student and recognized leader in BC and Canada. Born in Bucharest, his family moved to Canada when he was young, eventually relocating to West Kelowna. Covaser graduated from Kelowna Secondary School in 2021 as class valedictorian with a dual dogwood diploma in French immersion.

When it came time for post-secondary studies, Covaser’s community involvement and career goals encouraged him to stay in the Okanagan.

“I chose UBCO in part to stay in my hometown and continue my community work, but I was also attracted to the philosophy, political science and economics program,” he explains. “It’s unique in its interdisciplinary approach and seemed perfectly situated to prepare me for my career goals in law.”

It’s also where Covaser continued to thrive. When he graduated yesterday, he was presented with the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation. The medal is offered annually to a graduating student who demonstrates academic merit and contribution to the life of the university and their community.

While at UBCO, Covaser created the Help Teach podcast, which he continues to produce and host, and worked as a language and writing tutor as well as a student ambassador. In addition, Covaser is an ambassador and director at the Rick Hansen Foundation—planning events that highlight accessibility and inclusion and guiding the organization—while also playing in a band and getting exceedingly high grades.

Not only is Covaser UBCO’s 2025 winner of a Lieutenant Governor’s medal, but he is also the recipient of the $10,000 Pushor Mitchell LLP Gold Leadership Prize. Available to graduating students in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Science and Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, this donor-funded award recognizes students who have excelled academically and shown leadership while completing their degrees.

The award will come in handy when he moves to McGill University to begin the bilingual Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor program, where he will earn two degrees upon completion; the first degree in common law, the other in civil law.

“I have gained a deep curiosity for constitutional law and legal theory throughout my undergraduate studies,” he says. “While I haven’t chosen a specific field of law yet, I’m most interested in constitutional law and government work, entertainment law, human rights law and the functioning of the Canadian judiciary.”

Along with the medal and Pushor Mitchell recognition, he has also been presented with the Walley Lightbody Award in Law, the Amal Alhuwayshil Award in Campus Engagement and Leadership as well as the Petraroia Langford LLP Award in Legal Studies. He also received the University of British Columbia Okanagan Medal in Arts, which is awarded to the head of the graduating class with a BA degree.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague Dr. Dan Ryder, a cherished faculty member in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences’ Department of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science.

Dan Ryder’s enduring commitment to teaching and his unwavering passion for exploring big ideas left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of countless students and colleagues. While focused on research in areas of philosophy of mind, philosophy of cognitive science and metaphysics, Dan was an enthusiastic and effective teacher, inspiring legions of students and helping them become better critical thinkers. He also led the effort to have critical thinking added as a foundational requirement for the BA degree at UBC Okanagan.

In honor of Dan’s life and legacy, we invite you to join us for a celebration of life to pay tribute to his contributions to our academic community and the many lives he touched.

Memorial Service Details:

• Date: Sunday, April 27
• Time: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Location: UNC 200 (Ballroom)

Please RSVP by April 15, 2025 if you plan to attend, so we can make the necessary arrangements. RSVPs can be directed to fass.comms@ubc.ca.

We hope you can join us in remembering Dan Ryder.

Sincerely,

Noriko Ozawa  Ph.D
Department Head
Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences | Department of Economics, Philosophy and Political Science
The University of British Columbia | Okanagan Campus
ART 266, 1147 Research Road | Kelowna British Columbia | V1V 1V7 Canada
Phone 250 807 9303
noriko.ozawa@ubc.ca

For Marina Selber Cekannauskas, the idea of studying abroad was always an intriguing one, and her journey from Brazil to Canada is a testament to her drive to explore new horizons and pursue a path less traveled.

Born in Campinas, Brazil, Marina attended Etapa, a high school renowned for its educational rigor, and as such Marina’s early academic experiences were shaped by a system focused on preparing students for standardized exams. Despite this structured environment, Marina developed a keen interest in languages, particularly English, which she saw as a gateway to broader opportunities beyond Brazil’s borders.

“I’ve always wanted to have an independent life outside of my country and outside of my comfort zone,” she explains. “In high school, I remember thinking my options were either going to law school, going to medical school or pursing engineering, and my high school was very directed towards that. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to take between those three choices, and if any of those three choices would make me happy, so I was really interested in the idea that I could explore my choices before actually having to make a decision.”

Charmed by the prospect of international study, Marina set her sights on Canadian universities. Her decision was influenced not only by academic considerations but also by a desire to experience a culture known for its diversity and inclusivity. At the time of her application, political uncertainties in the United States further solidified her choice of Canada as a welcoming destination for international students.

“I remember that my parents were not necessarily thrilled with the idea,” recounts Marina. “But it seemed, when talking to other relatives and friends, that Canada had a very positive and very embracing culture. It’s a country that is willing to accept other cultures, and other perspectives as well.”

After applying to several Canadian universities,  Marina found herself at UBC Okanagan (UBCO) in Kelowna. Marina quickly found herself immersed in the intimate and supportive environment of UBCO’s campus. Reflecting on her initial impressions of settling into Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, Marina soon discovered the advantages of a smaller campus where she could build meaningful connections with professors and peers alike.

“I fell in love with campus, it’s one of the absolute best things about UBCO,” she explains. “People really need to appreciate that because it’s a small campus you can really connect with your professors in a meaningful way.”

One of the defining aspects of Marina’s undergraduate experience was her academic exploration. Marina relished the opportunity at UBCO to sample various courses and disciplines before declaring a major. Initially considering paths laid out by family expectations— Marina’s parents are doctors in Brazil – Marina found herself drawn to economics.

Under the tutelage of passionate professors like Dr. Andrea Craig and Dr. Noriko Ozawa, Marina’s interest in economics blossomed, challenging her to think critically and analytically.

“Both Dr. Craig and Dr. Ozawa were two of the best professors I have ever had,” shares Marina. “In first year both professors, through the way they taught and the passion they brought to the classroom, changed the way that I saw economics.”

While academics were always the number one priority, Marina also found fulfillment in campus life and extracurricular activities. She actively participated in student organizations and engaged deeply with cultural events that celebrated diversity. Her experiences outside the classroom enriched her understanding of global perspectives and reinforced her decision to pursue a career in a field where she could make a meaningful impact.

Marina’s academic achievements culminated in her graduation in 2024, a milestone marked by both nostalgia for her time at UBCO and excitement for the future.

“Attending the in-person convocation ceremony was a great experience,” Marina says. “It was very nostalgic, so I cried a lot when reflecting on my journey that ended in graduating.”

Armed with a degree in economics and valuable professional connections forged through internships and academic mentorship, Marina has embarked on a career in the corporate world. Her current role as a Graduate Cost Consultant at Turner and Townsend allows her to apply her analytical skills while learning about project management.

“The work I do is quite interesting. I always thought that I would miss school because I loved it so much, but because I am learning every day, sometimes it doesn’t feel like I left.”

Looking forward, Marina plans to pursue further academic qualifications, possibly a master’s degree, to deepen her expertise in economics and broaden her career opportunities.

And while Marina’s journey abroad continues, her story at UBCO underscores the value of international exchange and the potential for personal growth and professional development in unfamiliar surroundings.

“At first, I underestimated the impact attending UBCO would have on my life. But after building relationships with professors and making friends, and my positive experience, I want everyone to know how great UBCO is.”

See what the UBCO Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences experience was like for our alumni — including some helpful advice for current students — and discover where they are now in their careers.

Name: Braydon Neiszner
Program: Bachelor of Arts, Honors in Economics with a Major in Mathematics
Graduated: May 2022
Hometown: Chestermere, Alberta

Why did you choose UBCO?
When still in high school, we had recruiters from UBCO visit our school and they spoke of a UBC campus in Kelowna and of the Philosophy, Politics and Economics program. I had always been drawn to math, along with economics and social studies, which was very much politics and philosophy. So when I learned more about UBCO, it was like a light bulb turned on. I realized I could spend the next four years learning the things that I love.

Why did you choose your program and what do you like most about it?
In my first year, I took a diverse set of courses, including philosophy and economics. As I moved through that first year, I found I really enjoyed all the classes, but gravitated towards economics.  It was the perfect amount of math and visualization and narrative that I needed. At that point, I knew was going to choose economics.

Do you have a favorite class, professor, or staff person? If so, who/what and why?
I really hit my stride and everything clicked in my second year, and that is almost entirely due to Dr. Noriko Ozawa. Dr. Ozawa extracts the best out of people, and has a passion for economics and teaching that to this day I still haven’t encountered. Dr. Ozawa does an extremely good job of nurturing fascination with the way that people try and explain the world while challenging her students. That was something that I had never seen before, and it was something that scratched an itch I didn’t know existed.

What are your future career and/or educational goals?
After graduating from UBCO, I completed my Master of Arts at the University of Toronto and am now working in a pre-doctoral fellowship at the Wharton School of Business, at the University of Pennsylvania. I hope to be at a top PhD program for Economics in the next year and the dream would be to work on projects that help us to better understand the cities we live in.”

How has your experience at UBCO changed you?
I am ready to take on the world. There is definitely no better place to go than UBCO. It’s a place that encourages you to think big, to think of all the possibilities, it’s a place that nourishes and develops you, all while preparing you for life post-graduation.

If you had to convince another student like you to go to UBCO, what would you say?
What is mind-blowing about UBCO is that when you leave, the school doesn’t leave you. You will forever be a part of this incredible network, no matter where you are in the world. When I have ‘UBC’ on my university sweater out in public, and someone recognizes UBC – you realize how much the network stretches across the world.

See what the UBCO Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences experience was like for our alumni — including some helpful advice for current students — and discover where they are now in their careers.

Name: Sarah El Kaissi
Program: Bachelor of Science, Honors in Economics
Graduated: May 2022
Hometown: Lebanon

Tell me about your life before coming to UBCO.
Originally from Lebanon, I grew up and was educated in Dubai. I wanted to follow in my brother’s footsteps, who went to UBCO to pursue a degree in International Relations.  I was ready to take on the world and wanted to start something new away from home.

Why did you choose UBCO?
We had a UBC representative visit our high school, and it was very helpful to hear directly from a representative of what the environment would be like, what the process would look like to apply. I then toured a number of different Canadian universities to get a feel for them, and that was really helpful. I knew right away I didn’t want to be in a large city, so Kelowna was the perfect fit. The campus was gorgeous and the residences were also new and inviting, and the smaller class sizes were also very appealing.

Why did you choose your program and what do you like most about it?
Before coming to UBCO, I had a conversation with my high school business teacher, who also taught economics. I felt like something was calling me towards economics and my teacher encouraged me to explore that interest at university. In my first year, I took Economics 101 and Economics 102 as electives and that’s I when I met Dr. Noriko Ozawa.  Dr. Ozawa made the learning environment really welcoming, it really felt like a family, everyone was supportive of each other. I loved it.

Do you have a favourite class, professor, or staff person? If so, who/what and why?
I have to three favourite professors. Dr. Ross Hickey taught the course that made me to do an honors degree, while Dr. Andrea Craig, who first worked with as a Teaching Assistant, really challenged the way I thought when taking Dr. Craig’s honors seminar. Dr. Ozawa was also had a major impact on my experience, giving me the opportunity to teach undergraduate students.

What are your future career and/or educational goals?
I have just started a new position as Underwriting Associate at Zurich Canada after working as a marketing and operations manager for a small business. What I like about economics is that it touches everything, and it’s part of everyone’s world in some capacity, and I feel that way of insurance as well. I feel like the two tie nicely into each other, and it’s an interesting application of my education.

How has your experience at UBCO changed you?
I’m definitely more of a people person after attending UBCO.  All of those experiences, be it a Teaching Assistant or the resident advising work that I did, put me in situations where I had to develop team and leadership skills. From those experiences, I have developed a love for interacting with people.

If you had to convince another student like you to go to UBCO, what would you say?
People should know the incredible experience isn’t limited to the Economics program, it is universal. Like everyone who goes to UBCO, I have nothing but amazing things to say about the university. It felt like a second home, and I miss it a lot.

See what the UBCO Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences experience was like for our alumni — including some helpful advice for current students — and discover where they are now in their careers.

Name: Elliott Hayton
Program: Bachelor of Science in Economics
Graduated: May 2023
Hometown: Kenora, Ontario

Tell us about your life before coming to UBCO:
I grew up in Kenora, a small town in northwestern Ontario and attended a smaller high school where we had a graduating class of about 90 students. Outside of the classroom I competed at the national level in powerlifting, winning a bronze medal at the 2019 Canadian Powerlifting Union National Championships, and was also active in other sports, like snowboarding and basketball. My athletic background taught me accountability and really taught me discipline in my teenage years, which I think has really formed me into the person I am today.

Before coming to UBCO, what were some of the major obstacles standing in the way of your success and/or education?
I was never exposed to any economics or business courses going to a high school and living in a town of that size. I was primarily focused more on life sciences rather than topics related to economics and business. I had personal interest for finance, but never really thought about pursuing it at an educational level.

Why did you choose UBCO?
An old friend from Kenora had moved to Kelowna some 10 years ago, and we remained in contact. When I applied for UBC, I applied to both campuses. I heard back from UBCO first, and then attended a recruitment event on the Okanagan campus. It was my first visit to Kelowna, and I realized it was the trip I needed. I have always been intrigued by the outdoors and when I saw the Okanagan campus and my friend took me to Big White, I was blown away. I knew this experience was going to be the perfect balance of learning and fun.

Why did you choose your program and what did you like most about it?
I originally planned on majoring in chemistry. It was a subject in high school that I was strong at. But in speaking with my now former roommate at UBCO, he opened my eyes to the economics program. He encouraged me to take a few economics courses with him. Through these discussions and taking the courses, it ready broadened my horizons, and led to the Economics program at UBCO.

Do you have a favorite class, professor, or staff person? If so, who/what and why?
Dr. Andrea Craig was definitely my favorite professor, we were able to foster a very genuine relationship, and we discovered we share a love for the outdoors. Dr. Craig’s door was always open, she was always available to the students. I also have to mention Dr. Noriko Ozawa. If you showed a willingness to work hard and apply yourself, Dr. Ozawa would support you in any way to help you succeed. That support left a lasting impression on me.

What are your future career and/or educational goals?
Following graduation, I took the opportunity to uproot myself from Kelowna and move to Victoria, taking work as a business development representative for a tech startup out of Toronto. I knew I didn’t want to become a policy maker, but with the knowledge I gained from the program, I was able to move into towards tech sales, which peaked my interest. I’ve always been extroverted and I like to speak, so I have really enjoyed  sourcing new opportunities for my company and making new business connections.

If you had to convince another student like you to go to UBCO, what would you say?
It shouldn’t take much convincing! When deciding to go to UBCO, something I’m forever grateful for but didn’t consider was the close-knit community on the campus. I met some of my very best friends on my very first day. There are not 1000 students in high rise buildings. It allowed us to foster important connections, and it wasn’t something I expected, but was so important looking back at my experience.

All students must have a UBCcard that they must provide when requested by their instructors, typically during tests and exams. Student can apply for both a physical and a virtual UBCCard.

From left: Kimberley Kaseweter, Logan Volkmann and Geoff Coombs

Prestigious award provides funding to pursue ongoing research

A trio of UBC Okanagan researchers have each been awarded the UBC Killam Doctoral Scholarship, marking the first time in three years any nominee from UBC’s Okanagan campus has captured the most prestigious award available to graduate students.

Presented each year to the top candidates in the Affiliated Fellowships competition, the award will allow doctoral candidates Kimberley Kaseweter, Logan Volkmann and Geoff Coombs to continue their respective research.

“We are delighted that these three researchers have been formally acknowledged by the Killam Foundation,” says Phil Barker, vice-principal research at UBC’s Okanagan campus. “The Killam Foundation is synonymous with advanced research and scholarship that has global impact. These awards show that UBC’s Okanagan campus is emerging as an important Canadian centre for research and innovation that is attracting top talent to the region.”

The Killam Doctoral Scholarships are awarded annually from the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies and provide up to $30,000 a year plus a small travel allowance over a two-year term.

Kimberley Kaseweter

Kaseweter holds a deep interest in the field of forensic psychology. Through her research, the second-year doctoral student is attempting to gain insight into the emotional shortfalls contributing to the high rates of criminality in psychopathy.

Through her research, Kaseweter is hoping to gain a better understanding of the emotional deficits contributing to the high rates of criminality in psychopathy. It is her hope that improved insight into these shortfalls can provide direction for more effective treatments that could possibly reduce the economic, social, and emotional costs of their crimes.

“I am deeply humbled to be in the company of the talented winners of such a prestigious award. What attracted me to research was the potential it has to influence social change based on empirical results, and to be recognized for pursuit of this passion is an incredible honour.”

Logan Volkmann

Logan Volkmann, a biology and wildlife researcher, studies the American marten and how the marten responds to the impact of wild fire and logging on its habitat. The biology researcher and doctoral candidate has dedicated his career to studying carnivores, most recently the American marten and how the marten responds to the impact of wildfire and salvage logging on its habitat.

Volkmann says there is great opportunity to inform the management of fire-prone forests and to promote the recovery of these ecologically sensitive carnivores on burned landscapes.

“There are so many unanswered questions around how these animals react to fires and through my research, I hope to fill in some of these knowledge gaps.”

Geoff Coombs

A burgeoning physiologist, Coombs’ area of research revolves around how the human body responds to external and internal stimuli. His study on the implications of heat stress on vascular function is intended to advance the understanding of the extent and duration of heating necessary to achieve positive therapeutic responses.

Coombs, who grew up in Ottawa and moved to Kelowna last September to begin his PhD, hopes his research will positively impact the lives of those around him.

“Not only is it important that our research is novel scientifically, but a crucial aspect of research is the translation to a practical outcome that will benefit the public. It is currently unknown how much heating is potentially beneficial and for whom it might be effective. I hope to be able to provide a clear answer to these questions and develop guidelines that can be followed by anyone in order to achieve a true impact on health outcomes.”

The post Three UBC Okanagan students capture Killam Doctoral scholarships appeared first on UBC's Okanagan News.