More than 1300 graduate from Assiniboine today

A total of 1,426 students graduated from Assiniboine Community College in the 2018-19 academic year.

More than 1,300 individuals from across 63 certificate, diploma, apprenticeship, and advanced diploma programs will be recognized as graduates from Assiniboine Community College this afternoon at the college’s largest ceremony of the year.

“We are thrilled to be recognizing the academic achievements of graduates today,” said Assiniboine president Mark Frison. “They and their families have much to be proud of, and much to celebrate.”

Assiniboine’s board of governors refreshed the college’s strategic direction this past year, including a key stated goal of reaching 2,028 graduates by 2028.

“Addressing Manitoba’s lagging post-secondary rate and serving rural regions remain priorities for us,” said Frison. “Graduates recognized at today’s ceremony have completed their studies from among dozens of community-based programs.”

The college’s most recent Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Survey shows that 93 per cent of graduates have jobs within nine months of completing their studies and make on average a gross annual salary of $47,900.

Shelby Mymko, a graduate of the Interactive Media Arts program, is this year’s valedictorian.

The experience Assiniboine gave us as students taught us to be connected to the community and the people around us,” said Mymko.

Every end has a new beginning. Today might be the last day for us as students, but our learning has just begun. I hope we continue to learn, grow, fail, and to succeed in this journey as we continue to be students of life.

In addition to being named valedictorian, Mymko was named as one of two graduating students this year awarded with the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal. Jerra Green, a graduate of the Police Studies program, was also selected to receive this award.

Graduates recognized with the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal have excelled academically, displayed strength of character and contributed to the college and community in a meaningful way.

For the first time this year, 38 graduates from the college’s Mature Student High School program are participating in today’s ceremony. In previous years, separate ceremonies were held for this graduating class.

In addition to today’s graduation, the college hosted its Parkland campus graduation last week in Dauphin with more than 75 graduating from seven programs.

The college is presenting Kelly McCrimmon with an honorary diploma in Business Administration at the graduation ceremony. Mr. McCrimmon is the owner of the Wheat Kings WHL team and was recently named General Manager for the Las Vegas Knights NHL team, effective September 1.

The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. today at the Keystone Centre in Brandon.