BRANDON, Man. (October 30, 2024)— Assiniboine College will celebrate more than 800 graduates from 37 programs today at a graduation ceremony in the Keystone Centre’s Manitoba Room.

“Today is the start of the next chapter for more than 800 students who’ve taken this admirable step in their career journey. We are honoured to come together and recognize their hard work and are thrilled to join them in celebrating this day with their family and friends,” said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine.

Assiniboine continues to play a significant role in readying graduates for in-demand careers in Manitoba’s labour market. Among today’s graduates are more than 60 Practical Nursing students ready to enter the healthcare field across the province. The Practical Nursing program remains the largest program area offered by the college.

Practical Nursing graduate, Sheila Foreman, is pleased to be attending the ceremony after moving to Manitoba to attend school.

“I started nursing school when I was 37 with two small children at home, so it was a challenge. I was fortunate to have a very supportive husband, and there was a lot of sacrifice in going back to school, so this is the culmination of what we as a family have worked hard for.” Foreman shared. “I was working an office job for the Ontario Government prior to going back to school. We are a military family and I wanted a career that could move with us, and nursing was that career.”

Foreman will be accepting the Governor General’s award, which recognizes academic excellence and is awarded to the student who has achieved the highest overall average from a diploma program at the college.

“I worked very hard for this. I already have an undergraduate degree, and found this program to be equally as challenging. It took a lot of dedication and organization to be successful, traits I think have really helped me in my career as well. I like learning so it is nice to be able to celebrate this accomplishment with my family.”

"At Assiniboine, we take pride in offering a broad range of programs that prepare our graduates for a variety of career paths,” said Dr. Deanna Rexe, Vice President Academic at Assiniboine. “With our fall term now in full swing, and the celebration of these graduates today, the 2024-25 academic year is off to an excellent start.”

In addition to today’s graduates receiving certificate and diplomas in high demand areas like Early Childhood Education, Civil Technology and Horticultural Production, 281 students have completed post-graduate diplomas in fields such as Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Early Childhood Program Management. Post-graduate diplomas prepare those with a previous post-secondary credential with elevated skills and knowledge in a specific career-oriented area.

“On behalf of our government, congratulations to all the graduates on your achievements. Manitoba’s labour market will benefit from the skills and expertise you gained during your education. I look forward to witnessing the contributions you will make to communities throughout the province.” said the Hon. Renee Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training, Province of Manitoba.

Today’s ceremony takes place at 2:00 p.m. in the Manitoba Room, Keystone Centre. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the ceremony will be available at assiniboine.net/grad.