Over 200 students were part of the last graduating class at Yukon College today before the institution formally becomes a university next year.
Over 200 students were part of the last graduating class at Yukon College today before the institution formally becomes a university next year.
Students graduated across an array of 33 different certificate, diploma and degree programs at the university, with Trondek Hwechin Elder Egnes Joseph-Rear also receiving an honorary Northern Studies degree for the involvement she's served in her community.
Chancellor Pier Mcdonald says the commitment grads have shown up until their graduation today will prepare them well for the future.
"Your graduation today is a culmination of hard work, long hours, and sometimes sleepless nights. It has involved many sacrifices. You've felt the anxiety of wanting to do well while constantly being challenged. In the end, you've shown that intellectual discipline and curiousity can produce life-altering results. I know a lot of you are feeling a little apprehensive of what comes next. But I can tell you from my own experience, you're better prepared now than you know to face the challenges ahead."
Yukon College President Dr. Karen Barnes says just like Yukon College transformation next year, graduates lives will also be transformed as they continue on through their next path in life.
"Our new ""On the Land, Science 30"" program has just piloted in Carcross and will travel next to Haines Junction. Our new ""Community Education and Employment Support Certificate"" program begins in September and this month, we're welcoming our next cohort of students into the community-based, ""Environmental Monitoring"" program. Graduates, please join us as we forward. Good luck in your future adventures, and please, stay in touch."
Convocation Keynote Speaker and Alkan Air CEO Wendy Taylor says its important now for graduates to follow their dreams to spark their own unnoticed passions.
"In your life, I know you've just finished your schooling one way or another. But, if you're traveling down that path and there seems to be a hard right turn in a certain direction that makes your heart beat faster and that makes you more excited, go do it. Whether that's going back to school or going into a whole new industry, follow your heart. Follow your passion, and you're going to have the most fulfilling life."
Also attending the occasion today were Council of Yukon First Nation Grand Chief Peter Johnston, Ta'an Council Chief Kristina Kane, and Kwanlin Dun First Nation Chief Dorris Bill.

BC man convicted of manslaughter
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns
Selkirk First Nation announces election results
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal
The Yukon Employees’ Union is weighing in on the Health Authority Act’s uncertain future
The Village of Haines Junction has announced the launch of a new grant program
Yukon's air ambulance program gets upgrade