Assiniboine Community College (ACC) graduates will take to the stage today to receive their hard-earned certificates and diplomas, as the college celebrates the success of its 2010 graduating class.
ACC Interim President Jim Brinkhurst will welcome 662 graduates to the red carpet, as well as 111 fourth level apprenticeship graduates from 31 different programs during the afternoon ceremony, at the Keystone Centre in Brandon.
“As educators, graduation is the highlight of our year. We enjoy celebrating the success of our students as much as their family and friends do. Our students are dedicated and work hard to earn their credentials, they should be proud of their accomplishments,” says Brinkhurst.
The college is pleased to announce that 235 students will be graduating with distinction, meaning that they have achieved a cumulative weighted grade point average of 4.0 or greater during their program. Fifty-four scholarships and special awards, totaling more than $31,400, will be presented to graduates, as well as 25 Certificates of Achievement. The Certificate of Achievement is awarded to a student who has achieved noteworthy academic and technical development during his/her program at the college, as well as demonstrated exceptional commitment, effort and growth throughout the program.
Each year the Province of Manitoba awards two Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medals to ACC graduating students. To qualify, the graduate must have excelled academically and contributed positively to the college and community, while displaying an outstanding personality and strength of character. The students are nominated by their peers and instructors. This year’s recipients of the Lieutenant Governor Silver Medal Awards are Catherine Renaud and Charles Menard. Renaud is an Office Administration graduate, and Menard is an Early Childhood Education graduate.
This year’s valedictorian is Gloria Gabrielle. Gabrielle is a Business Administration graduate who will also open the graduation ceremonies with the singing of O’Canada.
For the second year, ACC will award an honorary diploma. This year’s recipient is well-known businessman Bob Mazer, President and CEO of Mazergroup and chairperson of ACC’s Building on Demand Campaign. The ceremonies will also highlight the volunteer efforts of former graduate Kelly Mathison. Mathison, part of owner of Enns Brothers, is a two time graduate of the college and will be presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Brinkhurst will be joined on the platform by Alan Copeland, Vice-President, Academic and college representatives. Other distinguished guests include Mr. Michael Cox, Member of the ACC Board of Governors, Mr. Jeff Harwood, City Councillor for the City of Brandon, and Dr. Scott Grills, Vice-President, Academic and Research, Brandon University.
Assiniboine Community College has been in operation for almost 50 years. In 2008-09 the college had over 2,600 students attending college on a full-time basis. The college offers 37 certificate and diploma programs, as well as apprenticeship programs. The main campus is located in Brandon and the Parkland Campus is in Dauphin. Winnipeg has been home to a permanent Practical Nursing site since 1998. Training sites in numerous rural communities extend program offerings throughout the province.
For more information, please contact:
Wanda Kurchaba Communications & Marketing Tel: 204.725-8717 [email protected]
