Today's graduation largest in college's history

Today, 948 students will formally graduate from Assiniboine Community College, making it the single largest graduation in the college’s history.

A total of 789 students will be graduating from 45 different certificate and diploma programs in addition to 159 individuals achieving Red Seal certification from seven trade apprenticeship programs.

“Graduations continue to be the highpoint of our role as a college,” said president Mark Frison. “And while we celebrate the culmination of our students’ academic efforts today, their journeys are really just beginning.”

Charlee McLaughlin-Ventnor is this year’s valedictorian. She is graduating from the college’s two-year Agribusiness program and is already working in her field as a sales agronomist with Shur-Gro Farm Services in Shoal Lake, Man.

“I am incredibly honoured to be graduating with such a determined group of individuals and I cannot wait to see what the future will hold for everyone,” said McLaughlin-Ventnor. “My college experience at ACC has been nothing shy of amazing, I have made so many lifelong friendships and lasting memories.”

Each year the Province of Manitoba awards two graduating students with Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medals. These graduates have excelled academically, displayed strength of character and contributed to the college and community in a meaningful way. This year’s medal recipients are Sara Corbett, graduating with a diploma in Early Childhood Education, and Brooke Huculak, graduating with a certificate in Police Studies.

Overall, 297 students will be graduating with distinction, meaning they achieved at least a 4.0 cumulative weighted grade point average during their studies.

“ACC graduates are prepared for real jobs in important and growing industries throughout Manitoba and across Canada,” said Frison. “The reality of an ACC education is that 96 per cent of graduates have jobs within nine months of graduation.”

The college will award Rick Borotsik with an honorary diploma in Business Administration at the graduation.

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

Two more graduation ceremonies take place later this month: Parkland Campus (Dauphin) on June 10 and Adult Collegiate (Brandon) on June 25.