Assiniboine College celebrates 2,760 success stories

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This article was published 13/06/2025 (288 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Assiniboine College marked a major milestone this academic year with 2,760 students graduating from its diverse programs.

The largest celebration unfolded Friday in Brandon, where more than 1,900 graduates were recognized, making it the college’s biggest convocation event of the year. Students completed studies across 85 certificate, diploma, apprenticeship and post-graduate diploma programs.

The convocation spotlighted not only academic success but a broader narrative of resilience, belonging and a “special story,” vice-president academic Deanna Rexe said in her speech.

“We are celebrating the success of more than 2,700 graduates,” she said.

“Graduation day is a very special celebration. You’re now shifting gears from student to graduate and becoming part of a new Assiniboine family, the family of alumni. We welcome you and congratulate you.”

College president Mark Frison said Assiniboine is shaping more than individual futures.

“Completing an educational journey demands adaptability and vision, and our students continue to rise to that challenge,” said Frison.

“We celebrate their achievements and recognize the families, faculty and staff who supported them along the way.”

Among the class of 2025, 27 per cent of domestic graduates identified as Indigenous, he added.

Brandon East NDP MLA Glen Simard urged the grads to explore future opportunities.

“This is your springboard to the future. The Province of Manitoba backs you all the way. You are the key to the future of growing our province and building one Manitoba,” he said.

Friday’s ceremony also showcased the college’s continued success in bucking the trend of youth outmigration, a challenge outlined in the Canada West Foundation’s 2024 “Finding Their Place” report.

Assiniboine’s graduate followup surveys found that 96 per cent of last year’s grads still live in Manitoba, despite only 71 per cent of them originally being from the province. For graduates from four years ago, in-province retention also remains high, at 91 per cent. This trend points to a net population gain directly linked to the college’s education and employment pipeline.

Valedictorian Aidyn Pearce, a graduate of civil engineering technology, captured the spirit of the class with a heartfelt speech celebrating the journey, growth and impact of the student community.

“When I first stepped into Assiniboine College, I didn’t know exactly what lay ahead,” Pearce said. “But I couldn’t imagine how much I would grow outside the classroom … We didn’t just attend school — we showed up for each other, and that’s something no diploma can fully capture.”

Pearce shared his experience travelling to Italy and participating in national student leadership opportunities, noting how education at Assiniboine extended far beyond textbooks. He now plans to pursue a bachelor of engineering degree through a diploma-to-degree program at Lakehead University.

The college also recognized valedictorian Chrissa Bayabay, who graduated with a degree in business administration and a specialization in human resource management. As an international student, Bayabay praised the supportiveness of the college staff and looked ahead with optimism.

“I’m looking forward to growing professionally, using all I’ve learned from Assiniboine, and seeing where it leads.”

Among the grads are 154 practical nursing students, many of whom are poised to support Manitoba’s growing health-care needs.

Advanced Education Minister Renée Cable called the graduates vital to Manitoba’s future.

“You’re helping to shape the future of our province by supporting local industries, strengthening communities and inspiring those who follow in your footsteps,” she said.

In recognition of outstanding achievement, the Governor General’s Medal was awarded to Payton Murray (early childhood education, Brandon), Kayla Cool (practical nursing, Portage) and Norvic Tolentino (practical nursing, Winnipeg). Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medals were presented to land and water management student Natalie Carolina Loureiro and carpentry and woodworking student Caroline Dubois.

“Our programs are preparing people for Manitoba’s labour market,” Frison said.

“That’s good news for graduates — and for the province.”

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