There were 33 Northlands College university graduates recongnized at the ceremony, but only one third of students were able to attend. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
By Derek Cornet
milestone

Dozens of Northlands College students receive university degrees

May 5, 2023 | 4:55 PM

Nearly two dozen students from Northlands College received a community-based Master of Education degree at a university graduation ceremony near La Ronge on Friday.

The ceremony was held at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre to celebrate the achievements of 33 individuals. For various reasons, however, only 11 graduates were able to attend the special event.

The ceremony started with opening prayers and a land acknowledgement, followed by an introduction of graduates, a performance by the New Dawn Drummer Group and a speech by Northlands College president and CEO Karsten Henriksen.

“I want to congratulate you on being role models. Congratulate you on your significant accomplishment,” he told graduates.

“There is a reason why so many people are gathered here today. Your friends and family, your supporters, faculty and staff at the college, dignitaries from across the North. They are here to celebrate your accomplishment, to hold you up and, when I look at you, I am incredibly proud.”

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Henriksen also talked about the resiliency graduates showed when faced with challenges. He explained they were able to meet the requirements of their programs, even if that meant sacrificing time or raising a family while completing classes.

People came from across Northern Saskatchewan for the ceremony. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Those who received a community-based Master of Education degree are Jane Ballantyne (Deschambault Lake), Kona Barreda (La Ronge), Sharon Bouvier (Black Lake), Lisa Buffin (Meadow Lake), Kristen Charles (Air Ronge), Matt Collier (Air Ronge), Sharon Duffy (La Ronge), Josephine Forest-Pelly (La Ronge), Pamela Fosseneuve (Cumberland House), Janet Hansen (Pinehouse Lake), Lana Henry (Pelican Narrows).

Dayna King (Meadow Lake), Danene Kopperud (Meadow Lake), Veronica Laliberte (Prince Albert), Michelle McCallum (Air Ronge), Abby McLeod (Air Ronge), Lana McLeod (Muskoday First Nation), Sarah Mekawy (La Ronge), Laura Nagy (Air Ronge), Colleen Renie (Black Lake), Twila Ross (Sandy Bay), Sam Sanderson (La Ronge) and Kristy Todd (La Ronge).

Meagan Laliberte (Buffalo Narrows) and Emma Sewap (Pelican Narrows) received Bachelor of Arts degrees, while Veronica Kkailther (Hatchet Lake) earned a Bachelor of Education. Julia Groves (La Ronge) and Shawna Piche (Clearwater River) received Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, while Hailey Cross (La Ronge) earned a Bachelor of Social Work.

Diplomas of Administration went to Alison Janvier and Alex St. Pierre, both of La Loche; Carmen McKenzie of La Ronge earned a Liberal Arts Diploma; and Ashley Clark of Air Ronge received a Diploma of Business Administration.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno

by Derek Cornet
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