BU nursing graduates look to the future

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/05/2025 (307 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For Brandon University’s newest nursing graduates, Friday morning’s convocation was more than just a celebration — it was a moment to define what comes next.

The university’s Healthy Living Centre was filled with excitement on the final day of the university’s 2025 convocation ceremonies as more than 130 nursing students from the Faculty of Health Studies crossed the stage and officially joined the health-care profession.

The afternoon ceremony had more than 140 graduates from the Faculty of Arts.

Amid the nursing shortage in Manitoba, which has about 3,000 vacant positions to fill, the question of whether the new cohort will stay in Brandon or take their skills elsewhere was top of mind.

Among the standout graduates was Misty Bryson, who received both the gold medal in psychiatric nursing and the prestigious lieutenant-governor’s gold medal award. Despite her accolades and training, Bryson confirmed she will not be staying in Brandon.

A student from BU’s Winnipeg campus, she has already accepted a position at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, where she will work in the psychiatric inpatient unit.

“I just want to take what I’ve learned and grow as a professional,” she told the Sun.

Gold medalist Chigozie Akalonu told the Sun she also plans to return to Winnipeg, where her family is located, but remains open to working in Brandon.

“I’m looking at both cities; it depends on the offers I receive,” she said. “I want to work for a while before returning to school, and my priority is to provide safe, compassionate care wherever I practice.”

In contrast, Olubukunola Otaiku, who was inducted into the Brandon University Honour Society, is firmly rooted in the Wheat City.

“My family is here, my husband and two kids — and we’ve made Brandon our home,” she said. “I’m focused on now, on making sure my patients are in safe hands.”

Another graduate, Eyiyemi Sadiq, captured the emotional weight of the day, reflecting on the journey with heartfelt gratitude.

“I haven’t cried yet, but I feel like I could,” she told the Sun. “This is a moment of joy. Brandon is where I’ll start getting my roots together before I explore more opportunities.”

International student Augustaano Binoye, who overcame a year-long delay due to the pandemic, called the day a “dream come true.”

“As an international student, I need a full-time permanent position for my residency,” he explained. “If I get that in Brandon, I’ll stay. If not, I’ll serve in rural communities. But long term, I want to remain in Manitoba and eventually work as a travel nurse.”

Another local hopeful, Stephanie Spence, is preparing to balance part-time work in Brandon with a master’s degree in public health starting this September. Passionate about health-care reform, she aims to support Indigenous communities and influence policy.

“I come from York Factory First Nation, and I want to make real change for Indigenous people,” she said.

The graduation ceremony, which featured stirring speeches from valedictorian Dana Simoens and acting university president Kofi Campbell, highlighted the challenges and triumphs that shaped the Class of 2025.

Simoens struck a balance of humour and inspiration in her speech, recalling sleepless nights, shared struggles and the lasting friendships built through the program.

“We are nurses now,” she told her colleagues. “Let us embrace the challenges ahead as opportunities to learn, to better ourselves, and to give our patients the care they deserve.”

Campbell echoed those sentiments, commending the graduates for persevering through academic, financial and pandemic-related hardships. He told them that the world needs them now more than ever.

“Five or six years ago, people were being told there were too many nurses. Now, there’s a nursing gap, and you are all needed,” Campbell said. “Thank you for staying true to your desire to help others, and that was what truly matters. The skills that you have learned in the classroom, in the real world, those are certainly essential.”

The acting president reminded the students, “Wherever you go, BU is always a part of you. And from this day forward, you’ll always be a part of BU.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola