Nearly 200 students gradutated this spring at the North West College Campuses in Meadow Lake and North Battleford. (North West College)

By battlefordsNOW and meadowlakeNOW Staff

Double convocation

Nearly 200 graduate from North West College

Jul 4, 2022 | 3:13 PM

The Class of 2022 was celebrated last month at North West College (NWC).

Two convocation ceremonies were held for the Battlefords and Meadow Lake campuses, the first in-person graduation events the post-secondary institution has held since 2019. NWC celebrated approximately 197 graduates from 19 degree, diploma, and certificate programs.

Eli Ahlquist, President, and CEO, said that since joining the college team in February, he’s shared the excitement and pride in the success of the graduating students. He added they’ve faced a once-in-a-lifetime challenge going to school in a pandemic.

“It’s tested students and their resolve and ability to overcome unique barriers, whether it was being locked down or not being able to engage in different activities. Our graduates had the persistence to stay with their programs through a trying year and [now], they graduate and are able to embark on their chosen path.”

Many of those who stayed were rewarded with funding. During the ceremonies, approximately $47,000 was awarded to 29 students through completion scholarships.

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Ahlquist noted this is up slightly compared to the last couple of years, a good sign given the struggles of post-secondary institutions during the pandemic.

“We’re very pleased with the turnaround that we’re seeing,” he said.

The scholarships are made possible by gifts from individual and corporate donors, as well as a grant from the Saskatchewan Innovation & Opportunity Scholarships (SIOS) program. This is administered through the Ministry of Advanced Education, where the province matches every dollar the College receives for scholarships from local industry partners and private donors.

During the 2021-2022 academic year, North West College awarded over $115,000 in scholarships to its students. The 2022 Completion Scholarship winners included:

• Gordon Tucker Memorial Scholarship $2,500: Crystal Inkpen (Continuing Care Assistant), Nicole Horse (Business)
• HRO Leaders Of Tomorrow Scholarship $2,500: Nicole Horse (Business), Shanna-Rea Archand (Business)
• LVSchell Construction Management Outstanding Student Scholarship $2,000: Raechal Bendall (Hairstylist), Gabriele Clark (Continuing Care Assistant)
• Twylia Wuttunee Memorial Scholarship $2,500: Alexa Swiftwolfe (Psychiatric Nursing), Amanda Moosomin (Youth Care Worker)
• Walker Wood Foundation Scholarship $2,000: Jillian Wilson (Hairstylist), Raechal Bendall (Hairstylist)

Ahlquist also thanked the College’s numerous scholarship donors for contributing support to the students, adding that this growth speaks to the need for a new campus.

“Their commitment helps eases the financial burden and provides encouragement for a job well done,” he said. ‘It’s exciting to see that level of partnership.”

Applications for 2022-23 programs are already being accepted, with some programs already full. Ahlquist said they expect a busy fall.

“It’s a cliché, but we’re looking forward to getting back to normal and going beyond that, with the growth of the college.”

Any applications before Aug. 1 will be eligible for an entrance scholarship.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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