We’re so proud of the more than 2,400 people who earned the privilege of walking across the stage at the university’s Spring Convocation ceremonies on June 18, 19 and 20 at the Winspear Centre, including almost 450 from the Faculty of Health and Community Studies.

Here, future corrections workers, therapist assistants and child care providers look back on their time at MacEwan and toward their bright futures.

RUQAYYAH OLARONKE BUSARI
Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration

I've always had a deep passion for helping people, and that passion inspired me to pursue the human services program. Completing the degree opened my eyes to how broad and impactful this field really is, and it has strengthened my resolve to continue on this path and achieve my future goals.

I dreamed of studying at MacEwan long before starting my program. A close friend who completed the social work diploma and began the degree program introduced me to the opportunity. We both attended a program presentation at MacEwan, and I realized how well the program aligned with my professional background. Her encouragement helped set me on the right path.

Completing my final research paper took an entire year of dedication. It started off feeling manageable, but it became increasingly challenging. With persistence and the unwavering support of my supervisor, I pushed through and eventually earned an A+. That moment was a testament to how much I had grown.  

In the coming years, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in social work to help me continue growing in my field and further prepare me for leadership roles. 

JADYN COOKE
Correctional Services Diploma

After completing my Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology at the University of Alberta, I knew I wanted to work in the criminal justice system. My interest in law enforcement, particularly the investigative side, and my desire to assist others have been lifelong passions. A training accident with the Canadian Air Force may have limited my physical abilities but did not diminish my commitment to the criminal justice system. And taking this program at MacEwan further fuelled my passion for guiding individuals through the criminal justice system with dignity, accountability and support.

My husband was truly my rock throughout my studies. He believed in me, encouraged me every step of the way and was always there to lift me up. We got married partway through the program, and even then, he made sure the stress of wedding planning never took priority over my education. Balancing school, placements and planning a wedding taught me more about my capabilities and resiliency. 

I presented at the Researching Social Changes Conference, where I depicted the journey of a marginalized individual in the criminal justice system in the form of a choose-your-own-adventure book. The opportunity to show my hard work alongside peers and experts in the field was incredibly fulfilling and assured me that I was on the right path towards a meaningful career in corrections.

I’m working as a part-time probation officer with the ankle monitor program. My goal for the next year is to work full time in a rural community corrections office or as a caseworker within the institutions. 

RONIQUE RENAE HOLGATE
Child and Youth Care Diploma
Governor General Award – Bronze recipient

It all started with an online video call with Veronique, an international student advisor. Even through the screen, she made me feel seen, she took the time to learn who I was, what I cared about and what kind of work would truly fulfil me. She recommended the child and youth care program, and something just clicked. 

In my first year, I learned about the intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous Peoples: residential schools, the Sixties Scoop and the lasting impacts of the Indian Act. I was overwhelmed but deeply moved. That was the moment I found my “why.” I want to be someone who listens, supports and walks alongside youth navigating the weight of historical and ongoing injustices. 

As an international student, settling into a new country and culture was both exciting and overwhelming. My friends Shine Baligod and Rashida Penddah made me feel truly at home from the very start. We studied together, shared meals from our cultures and had deep, grounding conversations that helped me feel less alone. Having them by my side turned MacEwan into more than just a school; it became a community.

Coming from a teaching background, I often found myself unsure of how to truly reach students who were struggling beneath the surface. I cared deeply, but I knew something was missing. Studying child and youth care filled those gaps; it gave me the understanding and tools to connect in meaningful ways. I want to keep learning, whether through professional development or graduate studies down the line.

DAWSON PROUD
Police and Investigations – Investigative Studies Diploma
Dean’s Medal – Certificate/Diploma recipient

I chaired the Public Safety and Justice Student Advisory Committee for the 2024/25 year. The committee brought together students from throughout the Faculty of Health and Community Studies to collect feedback that would help develop the department’s programs. This continued effort to better the department and student experience parallels my time at MacEwan as I aimed to receive constructive feedback and better myself.

During my field placement this past year, I was fortunate enough to spend time with varying units within the Edmonton Police Service. I was fascinated with emergency communications and operations management, and the experience led me to open my horizons to potential opportunities in 9-1-1 communications and dispatch. I plan on continuing my education towards a degree. In the meantime, I have been accepted into the Emergency Communications and Response Certificate at MacEwan. 

My most cherished moments were with the friends I made along the way. Our small class sizes and working with the same students for two years of university made my group quite close. I now look forward to seeing the achievements of dear friends and fellow classmates in their future endeavours. 

MARIA SYSKAKIS
Therapist Assistant Diploma – Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

I originally wanted to be a sonographer, but after spending a year as an educational assistant in a kindergarten class, I discovered my love for speech therapy. I saw how much of an impact it had on the kids – how hard they worked to get their speech sounds right, and how excited they were when they finally got the sound. I hope to spend my career in an early education setting, helping kids!

All of my classmates made a huge difference in my university experience. Having a group that supported and celebrated each other was an amazing thing. We would go out for lunch together during our break time, and I knew that I could reach out to any one of them if I needed extra help. I would not have been able to be successful without my classmates.

As someone who is putting themself through university, receiving scholarships made a huge difference and took a lot of stress off of me. It gave me the chance to focus more on school and worry less about finances. It was also super encouraging to feel like my efforts had been recognized, and it gave me motivation to continue to work hard. 

I’m excited to put my studies into use now and get out in the field as a speech assistant. For now, that’s all. However, I may continue my education to become a speech pathologist one day.

ANNALEISE ANDERSEN WALKER
Bachelor of Social Work
Dean’s Medal – Degree recipient

Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to help others in any way I could. I've always been drawn to working with vulnerable populations and issues of equality and social justice. Now, as a social worker, I hope that I can be someone that people feel safe with and supported by. I also want to be a part of working towards changes in human rights and social justice issues.

In 2024, I got to present my research at the annual Ending Sexual Violence Research Forum and ended up receiving the Ending Sexual Violence Research Award. As a survivor myself, this research was very close to my heart. Getting to share it and be a voice for others who have experienced sexual violence meant the world to me and affirmed why doing research like this is so important. 

My parents were my biggest supporters throughout my entire time at MacEwan. They were there through all of the highs and lows, cheering me on, and they never once questioned my capability or stopped believing in me. Behind every great research paper I wrote, they were there engaging with my thoughts and inspiring new ideas. I can’t wait to see them at convocation, cheering me on at MacEwan one more time. 

I am really excited to start working in the field as a registered social worker. I don’t know which area I will end up in, but I love knowing that the possibilities are endless and my passions could lead me in so many different directions!