Assiniboine celebrates student excellence

Assiniboine College recognized more than 70 students for their achievements in academics, athletics and community involvement during its annual Student Achievement Celebration.

The event, held last week at the Clarion Hotel, celebrated the students’ successes across programs, with 54 recipients earning One to Watch awards. The honour recognized academic excellence, leadership, contributions to student life, community involvement and volunteerism.

Among the recipients was Keira Stephens, a second-year student in the Media and Communications program, who said the recognition came as a surprise.

“I was really surprised … it felt good to be recognized for my hard work,” Stephens told the Sun. “The award has motivated me as I prepare to enter the industry.”

Stephens, who will begin an eight-week practicum at APTN in Winnipeg, hopes to build a career that blends news and live sports production. She said her time in the program has been filled with hands-on opportunities and support from instructors.

“I’ve had a really great two years … I’ve got to do a lot of special productions and projects,” she said. “I’m excited to now become an alumni and hopefully come back and share my experience.”

In addition to the One to Watch honours, the Assiniboine College Students’ Association presented four awards recognizing leadership and campus engagement.

Outgoing president Alec Walters, a second-year Social Service Worker student, was among those honoured, receiving the Pat Josephson Award for exemplary leadership and involvement.

Walters said the award carries special meaning because it reflects the impact of student engagement.

“It’s about students being involved … not for recognition, but for helping others,” he told the Sun. “Still, getting that validation shows the work you’re doing is being seen.”

Walters, who has led initiatives such as a men’s mental health event and a campus “wellness wagon,” said the recognition reinforces his career path in social services, particularly in supporting men’s mental health.

“It makes me feel like I’m on the right path,” he said. “I can look back at what I’ve done here and build on it in the future.”

College officials say the annual celebration is a key part of recognizing the contributions students make both inside and outside the classroom.

“Student involvement in the many facets of college life is part of what makes Assiniboine a vibrant place to learn,” said Danielle Adriaansen, vice-president of enrolment. “Celebrating these accomplishments is an important part of our college culture.”

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