WEYBURN – The graduates of Southeast College were urged to “drive change” and “to challenge the status quo”, in the address to the class by college president and CEO, Vicky Roy, at the Weyburn campus graduation ceremonies on Friday.
Students graduated from the Continuing Care Assistant program, Hairstylist program, and the Adult 12 programs in Weyburn and Indian Head. The CCA program also had the college’s first international students to be graduating from the school.
“Every year I feel like I’m graduating again,” said Roy, noting her parents were both educators, and her mother was a university professor, so she grew up in the world of academia.
“Today, we gather to recognize your hard work and perseverance. Some of you have been here for a year or two, some just four or five months. It’s going too fast,” she said. “You’ve demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, and for that you should be proud.”
She noted graduation is not only a milestone in their lives, but also a celebration of the collaborative efforts they put forward along with the “exceptional faculty” of the college, whose expertise has helped guide them to become the remarkable individuals they are now.
The college president urged them to continue to make an impact on their communities and the world at large.
“Graduates, you possess the power to drive change, and to challenge the status quo, and please do. It’s not always easy. You are the next generation of leaders, and as you step into the professional world, remember to embrace diversity, foster inclusivity and champion social justice,” said Roy. “Your actions have the potential to shape society to be compassionate and sustainable.”
In her comments to the graduating class, college board chair Donna Nyeste said, “Your graduation is a tremendous milestone and a huge accomplishment for you, for your family and your extended group of supporters. You should be proud of yourselves and your accomplishments. Feel confident that the education you received here at Southeast College is valuable, vital, and will serve you well as you move through the rest of your life.”
She said as they continue on in their lives, whether for additional schooling or in the workforce, “you’ll positively reflect Southeast College, its staff and its many supporters.”
The graduates from the Continuing Care Assistant program included Angel Caharop, Zoe Daley, Joann Espejo, Rodolfo Farinas Jr., Kathryn Frittaion, Victoria Gutheil, Jashanpreet Kaur, Krishna Patel and Randi Ward.
The Hairstylist grads included Sydnee Bandola, Danielle Cherpin, Emily Fries, Bryanna Morrow, Wynter Sorenson and Jorja Swanson.
The Adult 12 students in Weyburn were Tatiana Angulo and Kaydon Heffley, and from Indian Head, John Bouchard and Bella Grey.
