News Archives: Convocation Ceremony at GPRC
Saturday, May 5th, 2018
GRANDE PRAIRIE – Approximately 200 new graduates walked across the stage at Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) Grande Prairie Campus today. Convocation ceremonies took place in the gymnasium and were presided over by GPRC President and CEO Don Gnatiuk and Vice-President Academics and Research Susan Bansgrove.
Convocation ceremonies at GPRC annually include speeches from two students who have achieved academic excellence in their programs of study and contributed to the College community. This year, the Paul J. Evaskevich Valedictorian Award recognized Alexis Nellis, graduate of the two-year Business Administration diploma program with a specialization in Accounting.
Nellis delivered remarks to her fellow graduates focused on the belief in one’s own potential. “We could not have done it alone,” she said during her address. “But ultimately, we wouldn’t be here today without the belief we have in ourselves.”
In addition to thanking the family, friends and faculty who guided her to success, Nellis also acknowledged the support of the larger GPRC community, who together have made possible GPRC’s recent step toward degree-granting status.
“This really is a dream come true for our wonderful College,” said Nellis, referring to the February ministerial announcement that gave GPRC approval to work toward university status. “It is proof that nothing is unachievable with the right amount of support and belief from those dreamers who dare to dream.”
The Beth Sheehan Salutatorian Award recognized Jenise Aylward, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing collaborative degree program. Aylward’s address reminded students never to let fear stop them from achieving their dreams.
She shared how she was able to overcome her own fears throughout her college journey: “I have always been a very shy person, but I chose the nursing profession, where communicating with others is an important skill and vital part of the job. Each year this program has pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone and made me realize that you can do anything you set your mind to.
“Fear will always be a companion in your life,” she added, “but how you let it shape you is what counts.”
“The 2018 graduates have many reasons to be proud of their accomplishments,” said Don Gnatiuk, President and CEO of GPRC. “It’s inspiring to see how far these students have come. We can’t wait to see the vital contributions they will make to their communities in the years to come.”
Graduating students, family members and honourary guests in attendance of convocation were invited to a President’s Tea after the ceremonies.
Convocation 2018 is the concluding ceremony of the academic year at GPRC. Grande Prairie.