Assiniboine sees record high number of graduates

Assiniboine Community College has graduated more people than ever before in its history, with 1,514 students completing their studies this past 2019-20 academic year. This record number comes despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When COVID-19 hit Manitoba in March 2020, we had to shifted gears quickly to safely finish programs and have students graduate on time,” said Assiniboine president, Mark Frison. “Our faculty did a great job helping students through to completion.”

Over the last four years, graduation numbers have climbed by more than 30 per cent; 58 per cent over the last seven years. The college continues to pursue a goal of 2,028 graduates by 2028 to aid economic growth in Manitoba.

We’re making solid progress, but to properly serve the labour market and economy of Manitoba we need more college seats and more college graduates.

Assiniboine has introduced more than 30 new and renewed programs in the past five years. Among these include advanced diplomas in business, agriculture, and public safety, three new diploma offerings geared towards the creative media sector, an expanded power engineering program.

The college is still planning to offer graduates the opportunity to don caps and gowns and celebrate with their families in late October. Assiniboine will host a series of smaller ceremonies in Brandon and Dauphin designed to welcome graduates and family members safely under public health orders, taking into account physical distancing requirements and group size limitations.

For more on graduation ceremonies: assiniboine.net/grad2020.