With each convocation ceremony, we ask some graduating students to participate in our Meet the Class stories, where they generously share what brought them to MacEwan, the struggles they’ve overcome and their plans for the future. Some of them also talk about the people on campus who helped to shape their post-secondary experience for the better.

Here, we’ve compiled some of their shout-outs and thank-yous to the MacEwan faculty and staff who made a difference to the Class of 2025.

“I took two courses with Dr. Natalia Khinkanina, and later worked directly under her. She saw potential in me and challenged me to grow, both academically and professionally. Her guidance and mentorship were a huge part of my MacEwan experience, and I credit her with helping me see myself as a leader. Amy Fadeyi, coordinator of orientation and transition programs, had a huge impact on my development. I had the chance to work closely with her at the Welcome Centre, and she consistently supported me in becoming a more confident and capable leader.”
– Abdullah Al Muktadir, Bachelor of Commerce ’25

“I enjoyed all my professors, but Dr. Farzan Baradaran Rahimi really stood out, especially in our interactive design course. We designed an augmented reality app for the TELUS World of Science. The class was all about immersive learning, and I loved every bit of it. Dr. Baradaran Rahimi was so engaged, he worked closely with all of us and made sure we felt supported and challenged.”

– Olutomisin Olufikayomi Ogunleye, Bachelor of Commerce ’25

“Dr. Subhadip Ghosh taught me at the beginning of my degree and continued to be supportive and encouraging throughout my studies. He notices the strengths of his students and gives them opportunities to succeed. He persuaded me to take on a teaching assistant role, thanks to which I gained invaluable connections, experience and opportunities. It will always be a memorable part of my time at MacEwan.”
– Viktoriya Kotsyba, Bachelor of Commerce ’25

“Marilyn Conner believed in me more than I believed in myself, and her support and guidance were crucial to my academic success and confidence.”
– Ruqayyah Olaronke Busari, Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration ’25

“I took several chemistry courses with Dr. Ting Zhou, and she ensured all my questions were answered and that I was supported through every step in each course. Dr. Samuel Mugo was my supervisor and mentor, and provided me with the great opportunity to step into the research field as his research assistant. His continuous support, mentorship, and drive for excellence encouraged me and reinforced my knowledge and skills in and out of academics.”
– Maher Al Rayess, Bachelor of Science ’25

“Several professors had a significant impact on me, including Dr. Jenanne Ferguson, Dr. Diane Symbaluk, Dr. Alissa Overend and Brittany Johnson. I worked most closely with Dr. Ferguson, whose mentorship in linguistic anthropology helped shape my academic path. They gave me the confidence to engage with complex theoretical frameworks and apply them meaningfully to my writing. Dr. Ferguson's support, especially in nominating my work for the Best Student Work Award, was instrumental. Their encouragement was both validating and motivating.”
– Brian Young, Bachelor of Arts ’25

“John McMillan is a fantastic instructor because of his career as a professional musician outside of academia. He was and is a huge inspiration to me, and proof that success in music is attainable. Paul Johnston is also awesome. I’ve sometimes encountered a sentiment among peers and musicians that it’s difficult to be skilled in recording and performing, and that you have to sacrifice one to specialize in the other, but Johnston defies this idea and is one of the greatest upright bassists in the city while also being a Juno-winning producer and engineer. Dr. Joshua Toth isn’t a music instructor, but his ENGL 104 class was one of the most impactful courses I took at MacEwan.”
– Sawyer Begg, Bachelor of Music ’25

“Jenn Danko made a difference in my journey at MacEwan. She was the first person who told me that I had an intelligent and unique point of view. Thank you, Jenn, for making me a more confident designer!”
– Quinlyn Hawkswell, Graphic Design Diploma ’25

“While all in very different ways, three professors have given me so much both in and out of the classroom that I will carry into my everyday life. Jennifer Spencer has always been willing to lend an ear when I needed it. Dr. David Garfinkle was my faculty advisor for my independent research project and his encouragement pushed my research further beyond what I had assumed possible. Dr. Mike Perschon made me feel seen. We spoke once in my first year when I accompanied a friend to one of his classes, and in the hall a few times after that. I searched for any chance to take a class with him, but I was sure he wouldn’t remember my face or my name. I was extremely delighted to find myself proven wrong. I spoke with Shawn Hamm many times about my research, and he always spared some time to chat, and was quick to offer guidance and insight.”
– Uchechukwu Osineme, Bachelor of Communication Studies ’25

“Padraig Buttner-Schnirer was the best teacher I’ve ever had. I had the pleasure and privilege of having him teach me multiple classes, and he always made everything super accessible and entertaining. In my third year, I had the chance to work alongside him as an assistant recording engineer on Brianna Lizotte’s Juno-nominated record Winston and I. It was such an incredible experience to see him work in a real recording situation.”
– Ashe Stolte, Bachelor of Music ’25

“I really enjoyed the class that I took with Sue Carlson. She was incredibly knowledgeable, and she made classes entertaining and informative. She’s also provided me with opportunities to assist in other capacities at MacEwan, such as testing the new virtual reality technology for labs, and talking to students approaching preceptorship about my area of work. Overall, she struck me as someone who really valued her position and wanted to prepare the next generation of nurses in any way she could.”
– Jonah Ramson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’25

“Beth Wilkey’s teaching methods were exceptional, and she has an incredible ability to impart knowledge in an engaging and enjoyable way. Every class she taught felt interactive and exciting, transforming complex concepts into meaningful learning experiences. Her passion for the subject and dedication to her students inspired me to stay motivated and deeply invested in my studies.”
– Ti-Abasi Okon Ekwere, Gerontology Certificate ’25

“There are a few profs that stand out from my time at MacEwan. The one thing they all have in common is connection. They get to know their students, are dedicated to them and take on a mentor role beyond just being a professor. They make content fun and easier to understand through their charismatic attitude.”
– Paige Madison Levasseur, Bachelor of Commerce ’25

“Dr. Parminder Singh Kang in Decision Sciences was a huge mentor of mine. His class on machine learning algorithms (MGTS 417) was the most fascinating course I took. On top of teaching a very interesting class, he coached me through my first research role and was always available for questions and advice. He is a stellar educator and one of the smartest people I know.”
– Matthew Kraus, Bachelor of Commerce ’25

“One of the professors who stands out to me is Dr. Charles Keim. He was one of the most realistic and knowledgeable professors I have encountered. Along with the course syllabus, he taught life skills such as stress management, clear communication and networking. These have helped me significantly in my daily life. Whenever I went to his classes, there would be other students who weren't even enrolled and would just drop by and hang out with the professor. What set his class apart was how he taught; it didn't feel like a typical university lecture. I learned more valuable, real-world insights from his course than from any other I had taken.”
– Muhammad Shazain, Bachelor of Commerce ’25

“Megan Vaughan was my first professor in my first year of the HR management diploma. She approached the health and safety module with a level of care and understanding I did not expect. I ended up having her as a professor for my health and safety class the following year, and I could not have asked for a better individual to teach that, considering the sensitive nature for me.”
– Abigale Deon Chase, Human Resources Management Diploma ’25

“I really enjoyed Steve Bruns – he was a really helpful and down-to-earth prof. He understands how hard it is to work and go to school, and he tries his hardest to be fair yet instructive.”
– Alia Marie Hogan, Accounting and Strategic Measurement Diploma ’25

“John Haney stood out to me. He embodies what it means to go to MacEwan – collaboration, communication and engagement. I had Haney for quite a few classes, and no matter the topic at hand, his enthusiasm for what he was teaching our group was contagious.”
– Dawson Proud, Investigative Studies Diploma ’25

“Dr. Roland Lee helped me to remember that chemistry can be fun. He always had interesting classes and taught in engaging ways. He also supervised my research project and was overall great to work with, and was one of my biggest supporters. Guzal Mamadalieva, Dr. Lee’s research assistant, was always available to lend an ear whenever I had questions. She was awesome to work with in the lab and was overall such a supportive person through my last year.”
– Blake Wade Maday, Bachelor of Science ’25

“Dr. Melissa Hills had a profound impact on me. I first met her in BIOL 205, where she encouraged our class to consider applying to the Biological Sciences Honours program. At the time, I never thought I would be interested in research, but at the end of the semester, she personally encouraged me to apply. Two years later, I’ve completed the Honours program with Dr. Hills as my mentor, and I’ve had the privilege of working with her on three other research projects. I don’t think I would be here without her, and she is one of the reasons why graduating feels so bittersweet.”
– Lauren Tkalcic, Bachelor of Arts ’25

“I would love to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Heather Fitzsimmons Frey for her guidance and support during my degree. It was a joy being her student, and I’m thankful for our meaningful conversations about the arts and culture industry and leadership as a whole. She always saw my potential and would clearly articulate areas where I could further explore my research. It was truly inspiring to connect with her and feel valued as a student.”
– Sarah Barthel, Bachelor of Fine Arts ’25

“Sheena Rossiter has had an extraordinary impact on my life and my education. She was always so encouraging and helpful, but her knowledge and toughness are what allowed me to pursue the career that I want with the confidence that I know what I am doing. She gave me the confidence to apply for a podcast-editing position last summer that helped with my placement and encouraged me to share my work at MacEwan’s first film festival in April.”
– Leanna Bressan, Bachelor of Communication Studies ’25

“Although I only had Lucille Mazo for two classes, she always made me feel like I could accomplish anything – I will forever remember her and her heels clicking down the hallway. Jason Symington made me feel like I could accomplish anything I set my mind to – he brought out my creative side. Jaelyn Birch was just an amazing professor – all of her lectures were tailored to the real world and how certain things were applicable in our careers. Neill Fitzpatrick and Glenn Kubish both encouraged me to be a better writer and to write with my voice – my heart.”
– Brooke Hope Mayer, Bachelor of Communication Studies ’25

“Kerri-Lynn Reeves was always incredibly supportive and really encouraged me to expand my practice and start making more textile art. It was in her creative research class that I first experimented with fibre art, specifically punch needle work, which eventually led to my interest in rug tufting. It's because of her that I now have a small business selling custom rugs. I couldn't be more grateful.”
– Natalie Emma Potts, Studio Arts Diploma ’25

“Amanda Chiaselotti and Deirdre McNamara were my clinical instructors during my third-year clinical rotations. Clinical placements can be stressful, especially when you're nervous about working with real patients, but they were approachable, supportive and made the experience so much easier. I always looked forward to going to clinical and learning from them.”
– Ephraim Gondwe, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’25

“The first professor who really made a difference for me was Arlan Delisle. I really enjoyed hearing his stories and his experience in the law during his classes. He did a great job of working in his own personal experience to make some very abstract content have more meaning. Brian Keller was another important mentor and helped me stay motivated to follow my dreams. I am so grateful for the support and kindness he showed.”
– Santanna Marie Cuddy, Bachelor of Commerce ’25

“There are three professors in particular who made my experience at MacEwan a great one. Allan Wesley made statistics less scary. He truly wants his students to succeed. Neetu Sharma taught me financial accounting, and you could tell she wanted you to really understand the material. Alla Hurska genuinely cares about her students, provides opportunities to improve grades and was very understanding with workload.”
– Hannah Lauren M. Yaremovich, Bachelor of Commerce ’25

“Esther Houghland stands out to me, specifically her care and compassion for her students. When the war in Ukraine broke out, it hit me really hard (I lived in Ukraine for five years with my husband and three kids). I was preparing to take the semester off because I couldn't concentrate when I went to the lab one afternoon. She asked me how I was doing, and I burst into tears, explaining how I was having a difficult time with the war and my friends fighting on the front line. She embraced me, told me to go home, let her know when I arrived, and to do something that would bring me joy. She assured me that I could make up the missed lab at any point in the semester. Because of her compassion, I decided to stay in school and complete the program. She has no idea the impact she has had on me.”
– Ashley Christine Audrey Salomons, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’25