This year, 1,325 from across 72 certificate, diploma, apprenticeship and advanced diploma programs are being recognized as graduates from Assiniboine Community College.

The college’s largest ceremony of the year took place in Brandon Friday, and a second ceremony will be held next week in Dauphin.

After two years of postponed and modified events, the college is offering traditional in-person graduation ceremonies this year. “To pursue and complete an education journey takes a significant effort. The adversity of the past two years makes this even more remarkable,” said Assiniboine president Mark Frison.

“To persevere and succeed in this environment speaks to the resiliency and determination of this graduating class. It’s an honour to be returning to traditional graduation exercises where all graduates, their families, friends and communities can celebrate these accomplishments together. I look forward to the bright future ahead for the Class of ‘22.”

Valedictorian for the Brandon ceremony, Alexis Cinq-Mars, is graduating from the Social Service Worker diploma program and has been engaged in many facets of college life, including serving various roles with the Students’ Association and being an Indigenous Peer Mentor.

“I feel very proud of the hard work and dedication I put into graduating. My children are able to watch their mother succeeding and thriving, and that is something I hope to inspire more Indigenous youth to do,” said Cinq-Mars. “I believe that by holding this space as an Indigenous valedictorian, I am honouring those who never had the chance to graduate in my family and plant the seeds of success to grow strong roots for my children.”

This year’s graduation ceremony in Brandon celebrates graduates completing programs at the college’s Victoria Avenue East and North Hill campuses in Brandon, Winnipeg campus, Portage la Prairie campus, various community sites, and those enrolled in distance education.

In Dauphin next week, 43 students officially graduate from seven programs delivered at Parkland campus. 

The college also saw nearly 250 International students graduate this year.