ATHABASCA — June 19 and 20 were days marked by bright sunshine and even brighter smiles and futures as Athabasca University (AU) celebrated 380 of its 2024 graduates right here in Athabasca for the first time in six years.
Athabasca saw 2,000 visitors over the two-day celebration, and the event was supported by 40 local businesses and organizations by way of sponsorships, donations, and volunteer work.
“The open arms of the community is really meaningful for us since I started as president, and all the way up to convocation coming home,” said AU President Dr. Alex Clark.
“We’ve all felt very isolated with COVID-19, so this was very meaningful in terms of the globe, and also in terms of the local,” he added.
The ceremonies were hosted in the Athabasca Regional Multiplex, and the June 20 iteration featured a heavy emphasis on the collaboration between the University and the Indigenous Peoples and cultures of the region in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Elder in-Residence Dr. Maria Campbell gave an opening prayer in Cree, and each graduates received a gift of a colourful ribbon symbolizing the four colours of the Medicine Wheel, the four seasons of life, and the four directions.
After grads from across Canada and around the world walked the stage accompanied by whoops, hollers, and rounds of applause from family and friends, all were welcome to enjoy activities like bocce ball, cornhole, and of course, photo opportunities around campus.
“My absolute favourite part of the day is that I get to meet and listen to the stories of our graduates, and I get to understand more about how the university changes lives,” said Clark. “That for me is just profound, and it makes my job so worthwhile, and it’s something that I think touches the hearts and the minds of all our team members too.”
According to stats showcased on projection screens behind the main stage, the average age of AU graduates is 38 years old; the youngest grad was 20, while the eldest grad was 76 years young. On average, 70 per cent of AU graduates are first-generation university degree, diploma, or certificate holders, and 70 per cent of graduates are also women.
“You see and understand not only what it means to the students, but also what it means for their families and their communities, too,” said Clark.
“It shows the opportunities that Athabasca University is providing that other universities and colleges don’t, and I myself, that really speaks to me as somebody who failed their first year at University,” added Clark.
Big news for Aspen View grads
As part of the ceremonies, AU board chair Byron Nelson had a special gift to share with the 2024 Aspen View Public School graduating class.
“I am delighted to announce today that Athabasca University will be offering courses to allow more than 250 Grade 12 Aspen View students from the Athabasca region to experience university life for the first time,” said Nelson.
Aspen View’s Supt. Constantine Kastrinos said he was thrilled by the announcement, which came on the heels of the school board announcing a new partnership with AU.
“This initiative speaks volumes about Athabasca University’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities that are inclusive, accessible, and flexible, and within our own community. It assures our students that no matter where their futures are built — in rural Alberta or beyond — they have robust support in their continuous pursuit of knowledge and personal growth,” said Kastrinos.
“We are immensely thankful for this partnership with AU, and excited for the endless possibilities it unlocks for our students’ futures.”
