Members of college commercial art class of ‘76 reunite

Three former classmates from the 1976 commercial art program at Assiniboine College returned to campus recently, rekindling friendships and memories forged half a century ago.

The reunion brought together former students Joy Winter, Albert McLeod and Ardis Sigurdson, who were among the graduates of the college’s Commercial Art Class of 1976. The visit included lunch in the cafeteria, tours of the college’s modern creative spaces and a chance to reflect on how their training shaped their lives and careers.

Winter, who worked at The Sun shortly after she completed the program, said the program offered comprehensive training in nearly every aspect of commercial art, from sign painting and silk screening to precision lettering, preparing students for careers in a rapidly evolving industry. Fourteen students completed the program and, despite coming from different communities and provinces, they quickly formed close bonds.

“We were like brother and sister,” Winter said, describing the class as a tight-knit group that spent lunches, evenings and weekends together. “It was a very full, rich and healthy 10 months.”

Many of those friendships have endured. Winter said organizers originally planned a 25-year reunion, but family commitments prevented it from happening. By the time plans for a 50-year reunion emerged, locating classmates had become more difficult, with some former students having moved, changed names or passed away. Winter estimates that eight or nine classmates are still living, although not all could be contacted.

For Winter, returning to campus was an emotional experience.

“It was like old times,” she said, noting that many features of the campus, including the cafeteria, remain familiar despite renovations over the years.

McLeod said the program opened doors, professionally and personally. After graduating, he worked in Winnipeg’s garment industry, later moving to Vancouver before returning to Winnipeg to work in sign painting and design. Some signs he painted in 1989 are still standing today.

Although technology has transformed the field, McLeod said the skills learned in the program continue to influence his work.

“That training has served me well in my career,” he said, adding that the visual communication skills he developed have proven valuable throughout his work in health and Indigenous communities.

Sigurdson echoed those sentiments, describing the class as “one of the most unique bonding experiences” of her life. She said lessons in both art and business continue to benefit her decades later, even in personal projects and craft ventures.

Mike Lamb, an instructor in Assiniboine’s Centre for Creative Media, said hosting the alumni was inspiring.

“It’s such a really cool feeling to share that across generations,” Lamb said, noting that today’s Digital Art and Design program carries forward many of the creative principles taught in the former Commercial Art program.

Lamb said the reunion highlights the enduring impact of the college experience.

“It’s a really big testament to the college and the atmosphere that we create here, that even 50 years down the road, people still want to get back together and come to the halls of Assiniboine College,” he said.

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