Anastasia Evarts (far right) celebrates her big day with help of friends and former roommates Christine Degner (far left) and Lori Myers (centre).

A record number of Métis and First Nations students received their degrees and joined the University of Alberta’s alumni family at Augustana’s convocation ceremony June 2, 2013. Eight graduates declared their Aboriginal ancestry and most elected to participate in an honouring ceremony onstage to recognize and honour the students’ academic accomplishments.

Augustana was privileged to have Dr. Wilton Littlechild, a member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation, onstage to perform the honouring ceremony. He also had the opportunity to present an offering to his youngest daughter, who followed in her father’s footsteps and earned an undergraduate degree majoring in physical education. An alumnus with three U of A degrees of his own, Chief Littlechild has the distinction of being the first Treaty First Nations person to acquire a U of A law degree. In 2007, he was bestowed an honorary doctor of laws degree by the U of A for his many outstanding achievements including the passionate work he has done to advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples.

Métis student Anastasia Evarts from Whitecourt, Alta., crossed the stage to receive a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. Anastasia will be continuing her educational journey in September at Dalhousie University in Halifax, N.S., where she has been accepted into a three-year master’s program in speech-language pathology.

“I will never forget my experience at Augustana,” Anastasia said. “Augustana has shaped me into the person I am today. Because of Augustana, I was accepted into the graduate program I wanted and am happy with myself as a person. I have made so many wonderful friends who taught me about life and relationships. Augustana’s staff and professors are truly amazing. They have helped me in so many ways and opened my mind to so many new possibilities.”

Over the past four years, Anastasia has been an active member of Augustana’s Aboriginal community. In addition to volunteering at numerous Aboriginal Student Office events, she served as one of the campus’s two Aboriginal student mentors. “I have learned so much and grown so much as a Métis woman because of Augustana, and learned that I am not alone in exploring my culture,” she said. This year she was also very involved in the campus Triathlon Club.

Kasandra Baumann

Kasandra Baumann from Pigeon Lake, Alta., who also graduated with a BA majoring in psychology, plans to study neuropsychology in graduate school after a year of travel and spending time with friends and family. Some of her favourite memories of Augustana include her involvement with the Psychology Club, watching basketball and, of course, hitting the bell of the centenary sculpture to signify her last day of class.

“I came to Augustana scared to leave my small town, family and friends,” Kasandra said. “However, I found a new family at Augustana. I felt welcomed and at home during my time here and will be sad when September rolls around and I am not returning. I have met lifelong friends, including professors and other staff members, and will be forever grateful for the experience I had during my time here.”

Justine Louis, fellow graduate Graham Rix and the Honourable Verlyn Olson, MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose.

Justine Louis calls Hobbema, Alta., home and is a proud member of the Samson Cree Nation. A talented artist, Justine realized her goal of obtaining a BA in visual art and now has set her sights on travelling the world before working toward a master’s in fine arts. With so many favourite memories from her time at Augustana, Justine didn’t know where to begin, but confided, “Watching the faculty entertain the student body at the Faculty Follies made me laugh—and showed a softer side of the professors we work with all year…. Getting wild at the bashes with my friends, and overwhelmingly late nights in the studio, are things I’ll never forget.”

To new students beginning their studies in September, Justine said, “If you’re excited for—or at least open to—the idea of independence, learning and meeting new people, you’re going to love it here!”

Pamela Billey

“Experience of a lifetime” is how Métis student Pamela Billey from Smoky Lake, Alta., described her time at Augustana. Graduating with a BA in environmental studies, Pamela plans to become a certified environmentalist and agrologist. “Take opportunities as they arise and never hold back,” is her advice to incoming students. “Do what you love and are passionate about; enjoy every moment for what it’s worth, good and bad.”

Graduating with a bachelor of science in mathematics and physics, Métis student Allysa Fraser plans to put the skills she’s learned at Augustana to use by studying environmental law to “help save the planet.” Originally from Whitehorse, Yukon, Allysa was a co-founder and president of the Augustana Math Club. “The club had many events that allowed us to learn about interesting topics we would never have seen in our classes: poker, sudoku, math in pop culture.” She says the club was a lot of fun and allowed her to meet and socialize with people who shared similar interests. She hopes that many students in the future will be able to do the same.

Allysa Fraser

When asked what emotions she might feel when crossing the stage at graduation, Allysa said, “Pride in all of my hard work, sadness for having to close such a wonderful chapter of my life, and excitement for what the future brings.”

For drama major Mariah St. Germain, touring with the choir through Hungary, helping to co-ordinate Residence Services’ annual Rocky Road Ice Cream Fantasy event, Augustana’s 2011 Round Dance, and the opportunity to workshop The Black Rider are among the fond memories she will take away after graduation.

Originally from Wetaskiwin, Alta., Mariah is excited to be continuing her journey by heading east to pursue a master’s in creative art therapy at Concordia University in Montreal. She attributes at least part of her success to the positive influences and role models at Augustana. She describes her time at Augustana as a “complete education with, honestly, so many wonderful people and genuine faculty and staff” and encourages new students to get involved in every capacity they can. “Embrace new opportunity,” she said. “Augustana is a safe and caring community to be a part of, so go nuts!”

Mariah St. Germain

Mariah admits feeling a bit anxious that she might trip on her way across the convocation stage, but also says she expects to feel pride, joy and excitement—as well as a bit of relief knowing that her degree is now done. In terms of the honouring ceremony, she said, “Receiving an eagle feather at convocation will be a huge honour. It will give me a sense of connection to my community on and off campus, as well as confidence to go into communities as an advocate in what I do, what I discover and what I will do in the future.”

The Aboriginal Students Office would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to all of Augustana’s 2013 First Nations and Métis graduates, wishing them continued success in their future endeavours as they continue on their path of lifelong learning.

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On Sunday, June 2, the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus in Camrose celebrated our 180 Spring Convocation graduates.

The day started with a Baccalaureate Worship Service in the Chapel, followed by a private awards ceremony in the Roger Epp Conference Room for Augustana’s Medal Winners and our Honorary Degree recipient, Dr. Sharon Butala. Lunch was served in the cafeteria, and then our graduates and faculty were gowned before the afternoon’s ceremony.

Following greetings from the U of President, Chancellor, Board of Governors and the Province of Alberta, Dr. Sharon Butala addressed the graduates.

Finding and following that inner drive is a strange thing, a difficult thing, a puzzling thing. I guess what I’m trying to tell you is that to try not to let “making a living,” or being a success, overwhelm you, possess you entirely, but leave room for that creative urge that lives inside all of us and will express itself in myriad ways if we allow it. To stifle it completely, is to stifle the soul.
Dr. Sharon Butala, Honorary Doctor of Letters

Our graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. We celebrated a number of Honour Cords for students achieving a GPA of over 3.5 on the University’s 4.0-scale, as well as several Eagle Feathers awarded to Aboriginal and Metis students who elected to receive them.

After the Convocation Ceremony, our graduates had their Class Photo taken in the Faith & Life Chapel, and then representatives planted the 2013 Class Tree along College Way. Graduates and guests were all welcome to join us for the Alumni Tea while they browsed degree frames, photo frames and picked up their Graduate Bell-Ringing Photos.

Please browse through the photo gallery below: feel free to identify people in the pictures and contact cthrall@ualberta.ca if you are looking for copies of photos taken that day.

Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2013!

Beginning with the Baccalaureate Service in the Chapel at 10:30 am and followed by lunch in the cafeteria at noon, Augustana’s Spring Convocation Ceremony for Augustana’s graduating Class of 2013 will take place at 2:30 pm on Sunday, June 2.

If you can’t make it to Convocation, watch the ceremony on our Live Events link: we will stream the video live from Augustana Campus!

Please visit our degree frame sales table, our Augustana Alumni portrait frame table, as well as the famous Grad Photo Booth!

The ceremony itself will also see Ms. Sharon Butala, Saskatchewan rancher, writer and conservationist, receive an honorary doctor of letters degree from the University of Alberta.

10:30 am
Baccalaureate Service: a worship service in the Chapel, with the celebration of the Eucharist. No tickets required.

12:00 noon
Luncheon in the cafeteria: tickets are available in the Registrar’s Office on a first come, first served basis.

2:30 pm
Annual Spring Convocation for the conferring of degrees. Graduands should expect to commence assembling for the event at 1:30 p.m. Admission for guests is by a Reservation Card only.

4:00 pm
Class of 2013 photo, Tree Planting and Alumni Tea.

Good News for Graduates!

As of June 2, all graduands will become alumni of the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus! Congratulations – and welcome to your Alumni Association!

Are you interested in Augustana photo frames for your graduation picture or University of Alberta diploma frames? This letter, sent to Graduands, has details on frames as well as ways to stay connected, informed and involved in events and professional development through your exclusive new club.

It’s important to make sure we have your current contact info: click here to update us!

This event will be a chance for new Augustana Campus students to complete many of the items on their “To Do List” before attending school in September. The following sessions will be available:

• Course Registration Workshop
• Awards and Financial Aid Workshop
• Campus Tour
• Student Loan information session
• Confirmation Deposit Payment session
• Residence Application and Exemption
• First-Year Adventure Program information session

The event will begin at 9:00 am and end at 12:30 pm. You will be able to indicate which sessions you would like to attend through the Online Registration Form.

This is an opportunity to complete any loose ends on your application prior to summer holidays. We hope to see you on campus on June 1st!

This email is also a gentle reminder that our Entrance Leadership Award application deadline is June 1st: to apply, submit the Augustana Awards and Financial Aid Application and the Leadership Form.

Ordinarily closed to the public – because it is situated on private property and not covered by insurance - “Gravitas” will open for a single day as the Okotoks Art Gallery covers the liability and has arranged a bus for the tour.

The tour will start 11:00 at the Okotoks Art Gallery where Keith Harder will give a brief talk and show drawings and digital prints (Children of Icarus: Dereliction of Memory) currently being exhibited. The bus will transport guests to the Gravitas site for a viewing and lunch.

Following this will be a stop at the Bomber Command Museum in Nanton. The bus will return to Okotoks around 3 pm. Seats are limited so please register your interest at the Okotoks Art Gallery: ticket price is $20.

Okotoks Art Gallery (OAG)
Station Cultural Centre
53 North Railway Street
Okotoks AB
Ph: 403.938.3204

Click on the image above for more information!

Please visit our degree frame sales table, our Augustana Alumni portrait frame table, as well as the famous Grad Photo Booth!

The ceremony itself will also see Ms. Sharon Butala, Saskatchewan rancher, writer and conservationist, receive an honorary doctor of letters degree from the University of Alberta.

Don’t miss the Alumni Tea, Class of 2013 Tree Planting and the 2013 Grad Class Photo after the ceremony.

Saturday, June 1

6:00 pm
Graduand Banquet for graduands and their guests. Tickets for graduands and their guests are available in the Registrar’s Office.

Sunday, June 2

10:30 am
Baccalaureate Service: a worship service in the Chapel, with the celebration of the Eucharist. No tickets required.

12:00 noon
Luncheon in the cafeteria: tickets are available in the Registrar’s Office on a first come, first served basis.

2:30 pm
Annual Spring Convocation for the conferring of degrees. Graduands should expect to commence assembling for the event at 1:30 p.m. Admission for guests is by a Reservation Card: see below.

4:00 pm
Class of 2013 photo, Tree Planting and Alumni Tea.

Announcement Cards and Reservation Cards are available for each graduand at the Office of the Registrar. Announcement cards can be sent to inform people about the upcoming graduation. Reservation Cards are given to those who will attend the Sunday afternoon Convocation. A limit of three reservation cards for the ceremony is available for each graduand. Additional cards are available on first come, first served basis.

Banquet and luncheon tickets are available from the Registrar’s Office on first come, first served basis.

Are you a graduating Aboriginal student? Our Aboriginal Students Office has information about our Honouring Ceremony during Convocation.

Good News for Graduates!

As of June 2, all graduands will become alumni of the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus! Congratulations – and welcome to your Alumni Association!

Are you interested in Augustana photo frames for your graduation picture or University of Alberta diploma frames? This letter, sent to Graduands, has details on frames as well as ways to stay connected, informed and involved in events and professional development through your exclusive new club.

It’s important to make sure we have your current contact info: click here to update us!

Graduands’ Frequently-Asked Questions

What are the exact academic requirements for obtaining a degree?
A summary of these requirements was provided in the letter given to you early in September. Contact the Registrar’s Office for another copy.

Must I apply to graduate?
A preliminary requirement for graduation is that each student must Apply to Graduate online through Bear Tracks. The Calendar says this is to be submitted by February 1st on Bear Tracks. If you intend to graduate and have not applied on Bear Tracks contact the Augustana Faculty Registrar’s Office for an “Application for Degree” form. Please do so promptly.

Is there a fee for renting my gown for graduation?
Yes. There will be a fee of $39.50 for gown rental if you are planning to attend the Convocation ceremonies. This fee is being collected at the Registrar’s office. Please bring your payment for the gown rentals to the Registrar’s Office. Payment can be made by cash, money order, cheque or credit card (Sorry we are not able to accept debit cards.)

If I am taking a correspondence course to fulfill a degree requirement, when should the transcript reach the Registrar’s Office?
By May 3rd.

Can my relatives and friends and myself stay in Residence at Augustana during the Graduation Weekend?
Yes, rooms will be available at competitive rates. For more information check this website.

What arrangements are there for individual graduation photographs?
Graduands may make private arrangements with a photographer for graduation photographs prior to, or following the actual ceremony. Convocation regalia may be borrowed from the Augustana Registrar’s Office for photographs. A deposit of $25.00 is required, and regalia must be reserved from Iris Galenza at least three days in advance.

Must all my fees and accounts be paid before I graduate?
Yes! The degree parchment and transcripts are withheld until all amounts owing are paid in full.

When should I arrange to have transcripts sent to other institutions or to potential employers?
You may place your order for transcripts at any time. Your order will be kept on file and will be filled as soon as possible after all grades have been submitted and checked. June 10th is our own deadline for issuing of transcripts. You may obtain an Application for Transcript from the Registrar’s office on the second floor of the Forum, or on the Augustana website under the Registrar’s Office link; or you can order an official transcript on Bear Tracks.

To whom should I speak if I have a problem?
Contact Iris Galenza or Jonathan Hawkins in the Office of the Registrar at 780-679-1185 or by fax at 780-679-1527;
e-mail jonathan.hawkins@ualberta.ca or iris.galenza@ualberta.ca . Student representatives on the Convocation Steering Committee are Sarah Morland at morland@ualberta.ca and Jaclyn Ellert at jeellert@ualberta.ca .

For more information contact:

Bill Ashton, PhD., Director
Rural Development Institute
e-mail: ashtonw@brandon.ca
Phone: 204-571-8513
Website: www.brandonu.ca/rdi/