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 17, 18 and 19 at the Winspear Centre, including over 650 from the School of Business.

Here, members of the Class of 2025 from the School of Business reflect on how they found their program, their favourite projects and the people who helped them get to the finish line.

ABIGALE DEON CHASE
Human Resources Management Diploma

After losing my dad in a workplace accident, human resources became deeply personal to me. I want to work in a role where I can make sure safety is not just a box that gets checked, but a real priority. If I can play even a small part in preventing something like that from happening to someone else’s family, that means everything to me. 

My mom has been my biggest inspiration throughout university. She has always believed in me, even when I seriously doubted myself. Anytime things got overwhelming, she was the one who reminded me why I started in the first place.

When I first started university, I was focused on simply getting my diploma and moving on. Somewhere along the way, I found a real community. I met some of my closest friends in group projects or study sessions. We bonded over stress and caffeine, which turned into late-night FaceTime calls and soon after, true friendship. I am so grateful to have met such exceptional people.

I was on the Dean’s List when I received my Correctional Services diploma from MacEwan and now again with my Human Resources Management diploma. Feeling the cords around my neck at graduation that first time made me realize that all of my hard work and dedication truly meant something. I’m sure it will feel the same this time around.

I am planning to take a solo trip this summer to celebrate finishing school before starting full-time work. After that, I hope to begin my career in a health and safety-focused role in an organization where I can make a real impact and help create a safe workplace for others. 

SANTANNA MARIE CUDDY
Bachelor of Commerce, Legal Studies in Business

I actually dropped out when I first came to MacEwan for the Bachelor of Science program. I took a couple of years off, found some clarity, and came back to do a Bachelor of Commerce. It was a hard lesson in perseverance, but I’m really proud of myself for coming back and I’m grateful it worked out the way it did. 

I spent over a decade working in retail, and when I made it to management, I realized I enjoyed understanding how the business operated. I like knowing how the financials work and how the people at head office make decisions.

In my first organizational management class, Dr. Charles Keim asked us to interview someone high up in a company that we may want to work for in the future. I was terrified to do this project, but figured it was worth a shot. I won’t say who I got to interview, but thanks to Dr. Keim, I have this amazing memory and an interview that has really stuck with me.

I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, and I am planning to use my degree to pursue a Juris Doctor. Hopefully, both passions will lead to a corporate law specialization down the road. 

ALIA MARIE HOGAN
Accounting and Strategic Measurement Diploma
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

Accounting is a lot of fun. I like to think of it as a puzzle: all the rules are there, you just need to find a way to make the numbers work.

My time at MacEwan is defined by personal achievements. I graduated while working – it was really hard to stay on top of everything, and some days I felt like a zombie, but it was also really fun and fulfilling. I feel like I proved to myself how dedicated I can be when working towards a goal. This is my second time at university, so it was almost like putting my life on hold to attend again. The awards I received helped me focus on studying rather than taking on more work. 

My partner was the best. After some night classes, I was so drained I couldn’t even think, let alone move. He was kind enough to pick me up after every one of those classes. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I did without his help. 

I am taking a year off to travel and get married, then I will come back to MacEwan to finish my degree and hopefully get my chartered professional accountant designation. I’ve also been toying with the idea of being an auditor or owning a small business.

VIKTORIYA KOTSYUBA
Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting
Governor General Medal – Silver

In 2012, my family came to Canada from Ukraine. My parents worked tirelessly and gave up a lot so my sister and I could have better opportunities. While I was in my first year of university, my sister graduated from MacEwan with the same degree and major as me. She worked hard and showed me it was possible, which was a calming reminder during stressful times. I look forward to being able to give back to my parents for all their support.

I discovered my knack for accounting and analytics during my degree, leading me to my major and minor. Being a teaching assistant for accounting and business statistics courses was one of my favourite parts of my time at MacEwan and brought me countless memories and opportunities. 

My Business Intelligence minor allowed me to do several community partner projects. I worked with many professionals and applied coding and data analytics in several fields, gaining skills I will continue using throughout my career and life. I chose MacEwan for its reputation and what I heard from my friends and family about its community, closeness to peers and professors, and a better-quality education. My experience was just as I had hoped it would be.

I will be starting my career in accounting this September. I will also continue my accounting education journey over the next two years to become a chartered professional accountant. I am very excited and looking forward to growing further and learning more.

MATTHEW KRAUS
Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

I graduated with a diploma in music in 2011, which kickstarted a career in information technology at Apple and the University of Alberta. But I left it all behind to be a touring keyboardist with a few rock bands. It all culminated with a Juno nomination in 2021 with my old group before Covid crushed our touring dreams. 

I started out bookkeeping for my band on the road, and then became the go-to guy for tax questions from other musicians. I realized I had a wide array of interests, and that accounting might lend me the ability to be adjacent to different experiences. 

During my program, we worked on a data mining and forecasting project for WestJet that was fascinating. While I am bound by a non-disclosure agreement as to the specific details, we were essentially predicting the rise and fall of seat sale prices based on flight demand. Our group was within two per cent of the facilitator’s own projections, and he admitted he had far more data to build a model on than he provided us. The results were pretty fantastic!

I was absolutely floored to find out that I’m receiving the Dean’s Medal for the School of Business! I worked hard to get good grades, but I never imagined I would end up here. It’s amazing to feel that all those long hours studying paid off.

Two weeks after finishing classes, I began a role at Capital Power as a financial analyst managing plant reporting for four power plants in Alberta. I’m also working toward my chartered professional accountant designation. My hope is to one day return to work in entertainment and perhaps drive policy for the equitable distribution of government arts grants. I’d love to teach young artists about the importance of good financial planning to allow them to focus on their creations.

PAIGE MADISON LEVASSEUR
Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting

I love accounting. I took a course in high school and immediately knew it was for me. I enjoy problem solving and investigative work, which is what led me to forensic accounting, where I get to help others.  

I came to MacEwan for the small class sizes and intimate learning experience. I started during Covid, but it was not intimidating to walk into a MacEwan classroom once we could attend in person. And once I did, I met my best friends! We all ended up in the wrong classroom. After breaking the silence and having a giggle together, we exchanged names and found our real classroom. We haven’t stopped talking since. 

I attended a virtual conference for young accounting professionals, and connected with one of the panellists who was a chartered professional accountant in Calgary. I have never met him in person, but he has been so instrumental in my growth as a student and professional. He has pushed me to advocate for myself in pursuing my goals and dreams, and led me to secure my current position by reaching out to a partner at a firm. 

I worked with Morgan Construction for the entirety of my co-operative education experience at MacEwan. It was amazing.  I helped to build their co-op program and was a part of hiring a second student, a fellow MacEwan peer! 

In September, I leave for Wales for a one-year master’s program in forensic audit and accounting. I will spend 12 months learning and honing the skills required to be an expert in my field of practice – while also exploring!

ABDULLAH AL MUKTADIR
Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting

I started as a quiet international student trying to find my way and ended up working in five different departments where I was leading events, helping students and being featured in campaigns. The biggest lesson? Your voice matters, and the more you give, the more you grow.

Amy Fadeyi, the coordinator of orientation and transition programs, had a huge impact on my development. I worked closely with her at MacEwan’s Welcome Centre, and she consistently supported me in becoming a more confident and capable leader. Amy played a big role in helping me grow not just as a student worker, but as someone preparing for a future in higher education.

Organizing student events with MacEwan Residence, working as an accounting lab instructor and coordinating tours at the Welcome Centre allowed me to put business principles into action in real-world settings, and it was incredibly rewarding to use what I was learning in class to help improve the student experience across campus. Those roles taught me how much I love helping others find their way.

I’ve recently joined MacEwan’s Office of the University Registrar as a continuing full-time student recruiter. It combines everything I love: connecting with people, sharing stories and making an impact in student life.

THOMAS NORTHCOTT
Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing

Marketing lets you amplify the voices of the clients you work for and share their worthwhile message with the world. It involves creativity and constant communication. For me, that’s much more interesting than programs that are based on black-and-white thinking – I like adding some colour!

My capstone was a strategic marketing project where we helped a local not-for-profit gain youth volunteers. It was rewarding and I was very fortunate to work with an incredible group. We built useful skills, such as conducting a focus group, and formatting results in a digestible way for the community partner. 

But my standout moment at MacEwan had to be when I embarked on my term abroad in Dresden, Germany. There were many steps involved in the application, and at times, I was unsure and nervous about going. The exchange itself was life-changing. I got to meet so many people, and to see places that I’ve read about, but didn’t think I’d see in person. The exchange also gave me the confidence to come back and join groups like the MacEwan Ambassador program.

OLUTOMISIN OLUFIKAYOMI OGUNLEYE
Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resource Management

I studied human resources and digital experience design (DXD). At first, I was just exploring, but over time, I genuinely grew to enjoy both. HR gave me insight into people and organizational dynamics, while DXD unlocked my interest in how we create digital solutions that feel intuitive and meaningful.

My favourite project was working with the TELUS World of Science for a design class. We got to visit the site, which made the whole experience feel so real and exciting. It was hands-on, meaningful and tied everything we learned in class to the real world. 

When I ran for secretary of the MacEwan Human Resources Club. I didn’t think I would be voted in. I basically just put my name forward and hoped for the best. When, to my surprise, I actually got the role, it taught me not to underestimate myself. Sometimes, you just have to go for it. 

My family supported me emotionally and financially, my friends constantly encouraged me, and the people I met through the HR Club were truly the highlight of my final year. There were times I felt burnt out and overwhelmed, but being surrounded by people who felt like home kept me going. From classmates to professors to student group members, everyone added something meaningful to my experience. 

Right now, I’m open to where things take me, whether it’s product management, user experience research or HR. I’m focusing on gaining experience, growing my skills and seeing where I can make the most impact. I’ve learned to be flexible, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

MUHAMMAD SHAZAIN
Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting

Accountants play a vital role in helping individuals, businesses and even governments make smart decisions. I’m very interested in being someone people rely on to make strategic decisions that solve clients’ problems and questions. 

Every small moment – whether it was a challenge I overcame or an accomplishment I had – shaped my incredible journey on campus. Being a part of the university's Ambassador program was one of the achievements I am most proud of. It led me to get involved with volunteering and positively impact campus and the community. Being a part of this wonderful program also helped me develop many skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, time management and teamwork.

I plan to achieve my chartered professional accountant designation and become a reliable, knowledgeable advisor for individuals and businesses. I am passionate about pursuing a deeper role in auditing, tax or management accounting, where I can translate complex concepts and financial data into clear insights that drive intelligent decision-making for both businesses and individuals. 

HANNAH LAUREN M. YAREMOVICH
Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing

I was really into chemistry and biology in high school, but wasn’t doing as well as I thought I would in university my first time around. It surprised everyone when I dropped out, but I was no longer passionate about those same things after Covid hit. When I came to MacEwan, knowing what I truly wanted to do and finally at a school that fit me, I started getting great grades. I was so scared to be a "dropout" but it was one of the best things I ever did!

I always liked the storytelling and branding side of marketing, rather than the research. But working with a community partner – Lexus of Edmonton – in MARK 312 helped me realize that research works really well with my analytical side. I would love to work in sports or motorsports marketing, so working with an automotive company was a great glance into the future. Dr. Fernando Angulo-Ruiz suggested that my group submit our report to the MacEwan student e-journal, and we got it published. It was awesome to see the hard work I put into the class pay off. 

I met my friend Camryn Lauer when trying to find partners for an assignment. I reached out and I'm really glad I did. She got me through my marketing classes, and we were able to lean on each other for support. Don't be afraid to reach out to classmates! I made a lifelong friend because of it.

I am currently travelling for six weeks through Europe, then I'll be home for the summer. Come September, I'll be working on a Master of Science in Marketing Management at Esade in Barcelona. I'm very excited to further my education.