INUVIK
There were no hats being tossed at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex May 10 as the Aurora Campus held its convocation, but not for lack of enthusiasm.
Lauren Ruben of Paulatuk was the valedictorian for the graduating class at the Aurora Campus May 10. Ruben is a graduate of the office administration certificate program. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photos
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Sixteen people graduated from the business administration program and the office administration certificate program at a packed ceremony at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex.
Friends and family of graduates, and high-ranking members of the GNWT community, attended the ceremony, which is one of the high points of the spring for the community.
David Bob, a student wellness counsellor at the Aurora Campus, said the number of students was about average for a convocation.
The majority of the students take the studies part time, he explained, and most are mature students with families and perhaps other jobs and careers.
Photographer and author Robert Alexie, who is also the president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony.
"Success begins with education and a plan," he told the students in a fairly brief but memorable speech. "I had the education but I never had a plan.
"It's never too early to start planning for your future," he said. "Success is a personal journey and it's yours. It won't come easy and sometimes it doesn't come right away."
Lauren Ruben of Paulatuk served as the valedictorian for the class. In her speech, which was also brief, she thanked both the staff and her fellow students for their constant encouragement and support.
There was also a chance for the college to hand out some hardware to staff and students during the convocation.
The Board of Governors Student Leadership Award went to Delores Harley. The Aurora Cup was presented to Patrick Wolki. The Staff to Student Legacy Award was won by Clara Elias.
Staff awards went to Marja vanNieuwenhuyzen, regional program head for service quality. The instructional excellence award was won by Joanna Hartley. The community adult educator and innovation and college improvement award went to Adam Wright, the instructor of the Trades Access 2 program.
