Bow Valley College honoured the achievements of hundreds of graduates during two ceremonies held at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on December 8, 2022. 

At a morning ceremony for the School of Community Studies and the School of Health and Wellness and an afternoon ceremony for the Chiu School of Business and the School of Technology, the newest graduating classes heard from their valedictorian, members of the Board of Governors, President and CEO Dr. Misheck Mwaba, and honorary diploma recipient Kevin Gregor.

President Mwaba and ceremony host Michael Crowe, Vice-President, Academic, both described convocation as one of the best days of the year for the College community.

“For College employees, this day is significant, because we measure our success by the success of our students,” Crowe said.

Board Chair Shannon Bowen-Smed echoed that sentiment, describing the event as “one of the things I most cherish about chairing this board of governors.” 

Before graduates crossed the stage, they received inspiring advice from their class representative. 

Valedictorian Jamie Pinca, a graduate of the Practical Nurse Diploma program, highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, urging fellow graduates to keep thinking like a student. 

“Ask questions, seek knowledge, and use that knowledge to grow,” she said. “Find motivation and excitement in the idea that even though this graduation feels like an end as Bow Valley students, we are really beginning a whole new learning journey.”

Valedictorian Roma Marie Magbitang Canilang, a graduate of the Administrative Professional Certificate program, encouraged her graduating class to cherish personal connections and strive to make an impact in the lives of others.

“When we leave here today, believe that we are more than capable of overcoming anything,” she said. “Keep exploring this life and find that vision that fuels your passion and purpose. Remember to treasure the connections with those around us and take every opportunity to make inspiring contributions to the world.”

President Mwaba noted in his address to graduates that respect and inclusion are at the heart of everything Bow Valley College does. 

“Your time at Bow Valley College has given you a comprehensive toolkit that includes knowledge, skills, and values,” he said. “And because of that toolkit, you know how to strive for a better world that includes and respects everyone.”

In addition to celebrating graduates, the College also recognized founding board member Kevin Gregor with an honorary diploma from the Chiu School of Business. An honorary diploma is the College’s highest honour and recognizes outstanding individuals who have made an impact on the College and the community.

Gregor recalled attending graduation ceremonies at Bow Valley College in the 1990s, when North Campus was an office building and six or seven people were graduating.

He said the inspiration for his contributions to the College has always been the students. Whether the convocation venue is a classroom or a concert hall, hearing the stories of how graduates got there will always leave him with a smile and a sense of awe.

“Students at Bow Valley College exemplify the resiliency, the teamwork, and the creativity that I believe is needed to succeed in today’s world,” he said. “I’m truly honoured and humbled to walk alongside those graduating today.”