When the Fall class of 2022 received their degrees, diplomas and certificates, for some, it wasn’t their first time crossing the stage at the Winspear.

Many MacEwan graduates return years or even decades later to build on their original credential, or to take their career in an entirely new direction.

Some of this year’s repeat graduates shared their stories of success, exploration and what brought them back to MacEwan.

Natasia Dizak
Human Resources Management Diploma ’22
Bachelor of Commerce ’22
Business Management Diploma ’20

Upon starting at MacEwan I didn’t have the slightest idea of what I wanted to do as a career, so I began my Business Management Diploma to see what areas of business I found the most interesting. That led me to want to continue my education but also brought countless ideas of possible jobs into my head.

This fall I attained my Human Resource Management Diploma which builds upon my existing Business Management Diploma and Bachelor of Commerce. When I was in those first two programs, I found the human resources classes to be fascinating. The courses were not only informative when pursuing a career in human resources, but also had key information about how people interact that is applicable in day-to-day life. The courses allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of interactions both within and outside the workplace.

In October 2022 I joined the team at the Office of Lifelong Learning and Physician Learning Program in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. Choosing to continue my education with the Human Resources Management Diploma, rather than begin searching for a career right after my Bachelor of Commerce, was a defining moment for me. I felt as though I was simply not ready to leave my learning behind yet. And that diploma is the reason I was successful in getting my new job. 

I look forward to pursuing a career with this office while continuing to advance my knowledge and develop my skills.

Irene Okogun
Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration ’22
Legal Assistant ’16
Office Assistant ’13

I naturally love helping people – I have a knack for putting a smile on the face of everyone I come in contact with and I find fulfillment in lifting burdens off of people's shoulders. That’s what made me come back to get a degree in human services. I’m setting a new direction in my career as well as building on the existing one. 

My previous experiences with MacEwan’s highly professional instructors and the pleasant learning environment influenced my decision to come back. My defining moment was getting to see my results and how I had performed, after working tirelessly to achieve a good GPA from the very moment I started my program.

As MacEwan is my home, I intend to return for another degree soon.

YasminE Smith
Bachelor of Arts ’22
Accounting ’94

I needed a change in my life. The work I was doing did not bring me joy. I was really burned out from the environment I was in at the time and I needed to feel alive again. One of my biggest challenges when I went back to MacEwan was believing I was there for a reason. I had to overcome my mindset that I should not have returned to school and just found another job instead. But returning to school brought me a new attitude towards life, and now I feel like I can accomplish so much more.

I had so many amazing profs at MacEwan. But the one that stood out the most is my English prof. She was so kind, compassionate and ruthless all in the same breath. She taught me it’s okay to not be okay, to be scared and be willing to ask for help when needed. With many one-on-ones, she helped me to achieve confidence in myself which I was sorely lacking in the beginning. As time passed, we became good friends and someone I trust completely

MacEwan will always have a special place in my heart. It will always feel like home. I had the most amazing profs and met a lot of great people along the way who helped me when I need it most.