More than 2200 Assiniboine graduates ready to step into careers

Assiniboine College saw 2,273 graduates this academic year, celebrating the achievements of 1793 of those graduates at ceremonies this month—the largest took place on Friday in Brandon.

Friday’s ceremony celebrated the culmination of more than 75 certificate, diploma, apprenticeship and post-graduate diploma programs, with graduates from 19 program locations throughout Manitoba. This year, 19 per cent of domestic graduates are Indigenous.

“Graduation is more than a milestone —it’s a launch point,” said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine College. “Our graduates are stepping into careers and communities with the skills, confidence and resilience to make a real difference. Graduation represents a sense of optimism during uncertain times, and we’re incredibly proud of our Assiniboine graduates and the investment they’ve made in themselves and their futures. I look forward to seeing what’s next for them.”

This year’s graduates are poised to make an immediate impact across Manitoba’s workforce, many in high-demand sectors like healthcare, public safety and early learning.

The Edna Edwards School of Nursing saw 194 Practical Nursing graduates from six locations, alongside 178 Comprehensive Health Care Aide graduates. That’s a combined 370 new healthcare workers in Manitoba.

Following expanded Early Childhood Education opportunities introduced in 2024, 268 graduates of early learning programs from six locations are ready to support childcare needs across the province.

As the leader in public safety training, the Manitoba Public Safety Institute saw 146 students graduate this year, from Safety Officer, Public Safety, and First Nations Police Officer programs. These graduates will support communities across Manitoba, with 57 per cent of graduates from the Public Safety Institute identifying as Indigenous.

“These graduates are entering the workforce ready to contribute from day one,” said Dr. Deanna Rexe, Vice President Academic at Assiniboine. “They’ve gained hands-on experience and practical training that aligns with industry needs, and that’s what sets them apart.”

“Graduates from Assiniboine College represent the future of Manitoba’s workforce and communities,” said Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training. “Your dedication and hard work are building stronger communities across our province, and we are proud to celebrate your accomplishments.”

Among those graduates are valedictorians Keira Stephens (Media & Communications), and Alec Walters (Social Service Worker).

For Stephens, graduation marks a long history in media dating back to her time in high school. She hopes the Assiniboine experience helps to further a career in broadcasting.

“I feel like a completely different person from the one who first started this program, and I owe that growth to my instructors for giving me an environment to learn and thrive in, my classmates for being a built-in support for when the courseload got heavy, and my friends outside of school that were always impressed by the work I made and my family for cheering me on,” said Stephens.

Walters’ time at Assiniboine highlighted both educational growth and personal accomplishment. He served as President of the ACSA (Students’ Association), and this winter received a provincial award for academic achievement and community involvement.

“What makes this graduating class special is not just what we have accomplished individually, but what we have done together,” said Walters. “We have grown in knowledge, confidence, and understanding. We have learned how to work as a team, overcome obstacles, and to support the people around us. We leave Assiniboine not only with education, but with experience, character, and memories that will stay with us for life.”

Friday’s ceremony also presented Peters School of Business graduate, Kristina Ivanova with the Governor General’s Medal for the highest overall average in a diploma program.