Convocation set to celebrate college grads

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on May 24, 2024.

Lethbridge College photo - Engineering Design Technology student Kaye Marquez is being recognized with the Governor General's Academic Medal, as Lethbridge College holds their spring convocation ceremonies today.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

Lethbridge College students will be walking across the stage today to receive their diplomas during two ceremonies taking place at the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.

Lethbridge College will also recognize Indigenous graduates from fall 2023 and spring 2024 at an Honour Night in the Garden Court Restaurant. The evening event will bring Indigenous graduates and their families and friends together for food, gifts, speeches and more.

Over 550 students are expected to cross the stage today and they will be receiving degrees, diplomas and certificates to culminate their time at Lethbridge College.

Among the graduates are more than 250 students who have learned online, students from across the province, the country and international students from 21 different countries.

One of those international students is Kaye Marquez who travelled with her family from the Philippines to study Engineering Design Technology at the college and became the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal.

Marquez says she chose the Engineering Design Technology program because she likes drawing, making 3D models and she enjoys learning about how structures are made. She said she had a great experience at the college.

“One thing I liked about Lethbridge College is that the instructors are very kind approachable and they are always willing to guide and teach the students,” said Marquez.

She added that the field trips she was able to take part of were another highlight of her time at the college.

When talking about receiving the Governor General’s Academic Medal, Marquez said it came as a surprise, something she was not expecting as she applied for it the day before deadline.

“I received a call maybe two days I sent in my application, it was so unexpected. When they told me I started to cry because I was so happy. My husband and kids were so proud of me,” said Marquez.

Marquez received the Governor General’s Academic Medal for her outstanding grades, but she said the fact that she is a mother of three and worked a part-time job helped her to achieve that as well.

“I don’t know exactly how I got the medal, but I had all 4.0 GPA in all semesters, I was on the president’s list for all four semesters and I have three kids,” said Marquez.

As for what comes next, Marquez said she plans on staying in Lethbridge with her family and work for a Lethbridge steel manufacturing and building company.

Another student being recognized for her academic achievement is Annette Kampert, who was named valedictorian for the Spring graduation ceremony. She will be leading the procession of graduates and will be speaking at both ceremonies.

Kampert is graduating from the Business Administration program with an accounting major.

When speaking about her choice of program, Kampert said it was something she wanted to do since she was in High School.

“I really liked the financial courses that I was able to take in High School. I was looking into different options I had and the Lethbridge College had a nice two year program that I thought would open the door for me to see what it was like and I could go from there.”

Kampert said her time at the college was better than she could have expected and she really enjoyed it.

“My instructors and my classmates, they really made my time enjoyable. The instructors really care about students and how they do, even outside of the academic world, they’re willing to give support, which is really nice,” said Kampert.

She said becoming the valedictorian was a shock to her, as she always believed in doing her best and that is why it came as a big surprise.

 “It was a shock for me when they asked me if I wanted to be valedictorian. I really didn’t expect it. It felt very unreal, but it’s a great honour to be able to do that and I think it’s a neat experience. I didn’t go into college expecting this, but it’s a nice ending to all the hard work,” said Kampert.

Kampert said she will continue to work at Mulder Plumbing and Heating in Coalhurst, where she has been working as a secretary since April. She said she worked there part-time during her last semester and now is working full time and really enjoying it.

“I really enjoy what I get to do there, it a broad spectrum of things that I have to do. I’m getting into accounts payable and payroll and I find it to be a very neat opportunity and experience,” said Kampert.

The morning ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and students from the Centre for Technology, Environment and Design, the Centre for Trades and the Centre for Justice and Human Services will be crossing the stage.

The afternoon ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. and students from the Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences and the Centre for Health and Wellness will be crossing the stage.

 Each ceremony will also be livestreamed at lethbridgecollege.ca/convocation.