The COVID-19 pandemic ended large gatherings around the world, and in the province, where graduation ceremonies at high-schools, colleges and universities have been cancelled.
With Assiniboine Community College’s spring graduation ceremonies postponed until the fall, more than 1,350 students will have to wait for a public venue to celebrate their accomplishments in robes and tassels among peers, family and friends.
For six ACC graduates, a surprise came early when college president Mark Frison hand-delivered their parchments earlier this month. Certificates and diplomas were presented to each graduate, abiding by the provincial public health recommended physical distancing guidelines.
Frison says “We had to get creative with how we presented the diplomas to each graduate by affixing their parchment to props that were fitting of the program they completed.”
For Practical Nursing graduate Katie Hurley, this meant having her diploma attached to a walking crutch. Emily Alexander, a Carpentry & Woodworking graduate from the college’s Parkland campus in Dauphin, received her certificate on the end of a carpenter level.
Blaine Roulette was surprised by President Mark Frison with his Mature Student High School diploma, and Practical Nursing graduate Mariah McCue received her diploma backdropped by the American Collegiate Hockey Association banner. McCue lead the Cougars women’s hockey team through an undefeated season in ACHA’s Division 2 as team captain. The Cougars were unable to defend their 2019 Championship title in Dallas, TX, this year as a result of COVID-19 requiring the ACHA to cancel the championship.
“While I’m sure many felt a bit funny having the president show up in his ceremonial robes for an impromptu graduation ceremony, we were thrilled to be able to have some fun with graduates in light of the current circumstances.”
The college has released a video highlighting the fun on its YouTube channel at the link below.
