Assiniboine graduates cross the stage at Winnipeg graduation ceremony

More than 350 graduates from Assiniboine College will celebrate the successful completion of their programs today in Winnipeg. Assiniboine’s inaugural Winnipeg graduation ceremony will recognize graduates ready to enter the healthcare, early learning and public safety sectors.

“It’s no small feat to pursue higher education, and today’s graduates should be proud as they celebrate achieving a goal and opening the door to new opportunities. This is a meaningful milestone and a great time for graduates to recognize the significance of this moment alongside the family and friends who have supported them,” said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine College.

Among today's graduates are more than 170 Practical Nursing and Comprehensive Health Care Aide students and 30 students graduating from early learning programs. Thanks to a significant provincial investment in Early Childhood Education training in 2023, the college has expanded training opportunities to offer workplace and online delivery models and training for foreign-trained ECEs.

For Valedictorian Xavier Jhon Rosarda, he begins his career at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre after completing his studies at the Rural Rotating site in Beausejour.

“Now that I’ve graduated from Assiniboine College, I’m excited to continue growing as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Selkirk Regional Health Centre, building on the knowledge and skills I gained throughout the Practical Nursing Program,” he said. His advice for graduates was simple, “Never stop learning, never be afraid to ask questions, and embrace opportunities that challenge you to grow beyond your comfort zone.”

Today’s ceremony in Winnipeg also celebrates 30 graduates of the Manitoba First Nations Police (MFNP) Service program. Since 2024, Assiniboine has delivered six MFNP recruit training programs. With this most recent recruit class, a total of 74 participants have graduated and are working as front-line officers.

“Through their time at Assiniboine, these graduates have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in meaningful careers. Whether providing care for patients, supporting families, or caring for their communities, they step into their next chapter poised to contribute to their chosen field, to their own future and to the future of Manitoba.

The Honourable Renée Cable, Manitoba's Minister of Advanced Education and Training, congratulated graduates on reaching this milestone and highlighted the important role they will play in communities throughout Manitoba.

“Congratulations to Assiniboine’s graduating class on this remarkable achievement,” said Minister Cable. “Your dedication and hard work have prepared you for careers in fields like healthcare and early learning that are so essential to Manitoba’s continued growth and success. Our province benefits when graduates choose to build their futures here. Thank you for your time and commitment to your education and the meaningful contributions to your communities yet to come.”

In addition to today’s graduation in Winnipeg, the college recognized 460 students at a graduation ceremony in Brandon last month.

Today's ceremony took place at 2:00 p.m. at the RBC Convention Centre.