JUNE 11 & 12, 2026
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Welcome to Athabasca University’s 2026 convocation.
This is a truly special day for us to come together in Athabasca to celebrate the achievement of each graduate. With family, friends, faculty, staff, instructors, and our community: we celebrate your amazing accomplishment!
Our convocation ceremony not only recognizes each graduate’s achievement but the strenuous journey to success. Efforts and energy, choices and character–all have contributed to each graduate’s progress over months and years. These mattered so much, not because today’s success was easy but because it was hard.
Today is not the end but a new beginning of the difference each graduate will make near and far. We’re looking forward to staying connected and hearing of all the contributions you make as an alumnus.
We will also take time to express our gratitude. To thank deeply those closest to our graduates for their help along the way in so many ways. To recognize the contributions of university faculty, staff and instructors, our community in Athabasca, and our board of governors, in making today possible.
We will celebrate also what it is to be a university that stands for being truly like no other in prioritizing access, opportunity, and community. Athabasca University has thus far made an open and flexible university education possible so far for over 560,000 people. And we’re eager to contribute more.
Graduates and guests: enjoy and savor this special day. I invite you to take time to tour and enjoy more of our beautiful home campus and the wider Athabasca region in today’s celebration.
Here’s to you and cheers to you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Alex Clark President, Athabasca University
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR, BOARD OF GOVERNORS
On behalf of the Board of Governors, welcome and congratulations to our 2026 Athabasca University graduates!
I am delighted to welcome you and each guest to our beautiful home campus in Athabasca to celebrate this wonderful event.
Convocation is truly the highlight of the year for our board members, and for me as chair. Watching you cross the stage in celebration, seeing the smiles and cheers of your family and friends—I am so proud of each of you, and of this incredible university.
I know you’ve worked long and hard to reach this milestone, with perseverance and dedication to your studies. You deserve to enjoy this moment; to celebrate what you’ve worked so hard to earn.
Thank you to everyone who has helped our graduates on their journey, particularly your family, friends, and peers. Thank you to our amazing AU faculty, staff and instructors and to our supportive community and volunteers in Athabasca. You are all at the heart of this university and everything we contribute together.
Graduates, welcome to our community of accomplished, proud alumni worldwide across urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, near and far.
Have a wonderful convocation.
Sincerely,
Byron Nelson Chair, Board of Governors of Athabasca University
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN AND COUNTY OF ATHABASCA
To all 2026 Athabasca University graduates: congratulations and welcome to Athabasca.
We’re thrilled to host Athabasca University’s 2026 convocation in Athabasca and to celebrate convocation with you and each of your guests in our beautiful community once more.
Athabasca University has been a part of this community for decades, not only through its physical presence, but through its deep connection with Athabasca. We in the town and county of Athabasca have always felt a deep and personal bond not only to convocation but to the university, its students, and its alumni.
Our local community is proud of the global difference Athabasca University continues to make from its home here in Athabasca. As its campus continues to grow, we’re excited to continue to work together to support the university to make vital impacts on learners and communities near and far.
Enjoy today’s wonderful celebration and please take time to visit our stunning and welcoming region.
On behalf of the town and county of Athabasca, we wish you every happiness and success in the future.
Sincerely,
Robert Balay Mayor, Town of Athabasca
Tracy Holland Reeve, County of Athabasca
ROBERT BALAY
TRACY HOLLAND
CEREMONY PROGRAM
JUNE 11
Faculty of Science and Technology and Faculty of Health Disciplines
Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst
Procession
National Anthem
Land Acknowledgment
Welcome | Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst, Provost and Vice-President Academic
Offering | Dr. Alex Clark, President
Opening Prayer | Dr. Maria Campbell, Elder in Residence
Board of Governors’ Greeting | Byron Nelson, Board Chair
President’s Greeting | Dr. Alex Clark, President
Official Community Greeting
Presentation of Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree | Dr. Manijeh Mannani, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Convocation Address | Sharlene Rutherford, Honorary Doctorate Recipient
The Petition | Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst
Invitation to Pledge | Dr. Alex Clark Graduands’ response | I do so promise
The Admission | Byron Nelson
Presentation of Degrees | Faculty of Science and Technology
Musical Interlude
Presentation of Degrees | Faculty of Health Disciplines
Presentation of Governor General’s Gold Medal | Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst Sofia Barkova, Master of Counselling with Great Distinction
Alumni Welcome | Board of Governors Alumni Representative, Brittany Hollett
Ribbon Story | Dr. Maria Campbell
Closing | Dr. Alex Clark and Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst
Recession
JUNE 12
Faculty of Business and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst
Procession
National Anthem
Land Acknowledgment
Welcome | Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst, Provost and Vice-President Academic
Offering | Dr. Alex Clark, President
Opening Prayer | Dr. Maria Campbell, Elder in Residence
Board of Governors’ Greeting | Byron Nelson, Board Chair
President’s Greeting | Dr. Alex Clark, President
Official Community Greeting
Presentation of Honorary Doctor of Science Degree | Dr. Shauna Zenteno, Dean, Faculty of Science
Convocation Address | William Snow, Honorary Doctorate Recipient
The Petition | Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Invitation to Pledge | Dr. Alex Clark Graduands’ response | I do so promise
The Admission | Byron Nelson
Presentation of Degrees | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Musical Interlude
Presentation of Degrees | Faculty of Business
Presentation of Governor General’s
Silver Medal | Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst
Alison Rowney, Bachelor of Arts with Great Distinction
Alumni Welcome | Board of Governors Alumni Representative, Brittany Hollett
Ribbon Story | Dr. Maria Campbell
Closing | Dr. Alex Clark and Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst
Recession
Athabasca University respectfully acknowledges that we live and work on the Traditional Lands of the Indigenous Peoples (Inuit, First Nations, Métis) of Canada. We honour the ancestry, heritage, and gifts of the Indigenous Peoples and give thanks to them.
HONORARY DOCTOR OF LAWS
Sharlene Rutherford will be granted an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of her vision, advocacy, and philanthropic efforts to improve the health and lives of people across Alberta and Canada, and in particular, for women’s health outcomes and research.
Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, is being recognized for her vision, advocacy and philanthropic efforts to improve the health and lives of people across Alberta and Canada, and in particular, for women’s health outcomes and research.
A former broadcast journalist and editor, she left the private sector in 2005 to join the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, where she supported the Lois Hole Hospital for Women capital campaign. At the time, the $22-million campaign was the largest fundraising effort in the foundation’s history, and led to the creation of three research chairs in women’s health.
Rutherford completed her MBA at AU in 2019, and in 2020, was named President and CEO of the foundation. She also established the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation and co-founded the Women’s Health Collective Canada, which is the largest non-government funder of women’s health research in Canada, and is a leading advocate for a national women’s health framework.
Sharlene Rutherford will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws at Athabasca University’s Convocation 2026 on June 11, 2026.
SHARLENE RUTHERFORD
HONORARY DOCTOR OF SCIENCE
William Snow will be granted an Honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of his commitment to fostering collaboration between Indigenous nations, Elders, researchers, and the science community, which has had a fundamental impact on conservation efforts across Alberta.
William (Bill) Snow (Goodstoney First Nation/Yuma Quechan) has had a profound impact on conservation efforts across Alberta through his work as Acting Director of Consultation with Stoney Tribal Administration. He and his team foster collaboration among Indigenous nations, Elders, researchers, and scientists, working with government and industry to conduct assessments of resource projects within Stoney Nakoda Traditional Territory.
A graduate of the University of Lethbridge, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal in 2022. In 2023, he received the Fulbright Canada/Honouring Nations Cultural Revitalization award in recognition of his work on the Bison Cultural Study which incorporated Traditional Knowledge regarding the reintroduction of bison to Banff National Park.
He has traveled across Canada, the U.S., and Austria giving presentations on the Bison Cultural Study to researchers, students, conservationists, and governments. In 2026, he returned as a Director at Large for Alberta with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, and is also Chair of the Indigenous Relations Committee.
William Snow will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science at Athabasca University’s Convocation 2026 on June 12, 2026.
Thank you to the honorary degree and awards selection committee for their support and diverse perspectives in selecting this year’s recipients.
WILLIAM SNOW
CONVOCATION 2025-26 SCHOLARSHIPS
DOCTORATE DEGREES
Doctor of Education in Distance Education
Melissa Ashman
Maria Rowena Raymundo
Deborah Homuth
Doctor of Business Administration
Ryan Young
MASTER DEGREES
Master of Business Administration
Christina Boekestyn
Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education
Melinda Vanzanten
Nurani Savitri
Kathy Jaster-Haacke
Kaitlin Meeuwisse
Master of Health Studies
Sandra Payne
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Amanda Gear
Master of Nursing
Tanya Hasenberger
Master of Science in Computing and Information Systems
Patrick Ouellette
Master of Counselling
Claire Bee
GRADUATE DIPLOMA/ CERTIFICATES
Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
Devon Cownden
Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Management
Kristin Boucher
Graduate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning
Coree Asmussen
Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design
Kristi Dubeau
Leigh Gagnier
Michelle Hamilton
Graduate Certificate in Information Security
Arif Faheem Khan
Graduate Diploma in Counselling
Kayla Schultz
Graduate Diploma in Heritage Resource Management
Nicole Leidl
Graduate Diploma in Distance Education
Technology
Lauren-Rose Givogue
Graduate Diploma in Instructional Design
Geoff Lobley
Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting
Codie Chisholm
Graduate Diploma in Management
Carlo Ang
Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management
Jessica Farran
Post-Master’s Diploma –Nurse Practitioner
Alyssa Satchwill
Post-Master’s Certificate in Counselling
Benjamin Creasser BACHELOR DEGREES
Bachelor of Arts
Alison Rowney
Bachelor of General Studies
Kourosh Karimi-Shahri
Bachelor of Nursing
Angela Martin
2026 GOVERNOR GENERAL’S GOLD MEDAL RECIPIENT
SOFIA BARKOVA
Sofia Barkova is graduating with a Master of Counselling, Psychology. Now residing in Calgary, she is originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, where she worked as a psychologist for more than a decade. She is passionate about supporting people with major illnesses, especially cancer, and their families. She is currently in her first year of a PhD in Medical Science at the University of Calgary, with a specialization in Psychosocial Oncology.
Bachelor of Science
Nicholas Reh
Bachelor of Commerce
Karlee De Leon
Bachelor of Management
Don Peterson
Bachelor of Professional Arts
Ashley Reimer
Bachelor of Health Administration
Rebecca Strauss
Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations
Meaghan Mazzei
UNIVERSITY DIPLOMAS
University Diploma in Arts
Cyra Yunkws
UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATES
Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Inclusive Education
Erica Keenan
University Certificate in Accounting
Lisa Vanderwekken
University Certificate in Computers and Management
Informations Systems
Jorge Melo Gamez
University Certificate in Computing and Information Systems
Graham Stewart
University Certificate in Counselling Women
Jasmine Meikle
University Certificate in Finance
Kyle Adams
University Certificate in Heritage Resource Management
Troy Middleton
University Certificate in Human Resources and Labour Relations
Matthew Hurley
University Certificate in Management Applications
Dallas Fowler
University Certificate in Management Foundations
Logan Vaughan
University Certificate in Marketing
Rylan Slipchuk
University Certificate in Public Administration
Jeffrey Morgan
University Certificate in Indigenous Community Economic Development and Planning
Gail Bonke
These scholarships are awarded annually to the graduating students with the highest grade point average from each degree, diploma, or certificate designation.
2026 GOVERNOR GENERAL’S
SILVER MEDAL RECIPIENT
ALISON ROWNEY
Alison Rowney is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major. Her own life experiences, and her passion for understanding how people think, behave, grow, and evolve, inspired her education journey, which she hopes to continue. She currently works as a manager of business development for a large motor group where she supports young women in developing and nurturing their careers.
ACADEMIC REGALIA
The colour of the lining or trim on a graduand’s hood distinguishes their degree. As part of the official regalia, AU graduands also don a black cap and tassel. Graduands from certificate or diploma programs wear a standard, plain black graduation gown with a black cap and tassel.
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
MASTER’S DEGREES
DOCTORATES
Doctoral gowns are black, Cambridgestyle gowns accented with the colours from AU’s Coat of Arms. The full sleeves end at a point and are turned back to the elbow to reveal the blue lining of the bell. In the Oxford pattern, the hoods are either spruce green and blue or blue lined with gold. Standard black Tudor hats are worn straight above the brow.
Bachelor of Arts FUCHSIA
Bachelor of Commerce BURGUNDY
Bachelor of General Studies GREEN
Bachelor of Health Administration GREEN
Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations TAUPE
Bachelor of Management TAUPE
Bachelor of Nursing LIGHT BLUE
Bachelor of Professional Arts RED
Bachelor of Science GOLD/ YELLOW
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies WHITE
Master of Business Administration ROYAL BLUE
Master of Counselling SMOKE BLUE
Master
ROYAL BLUE/ GREEN
Master of Science in Information Systems GOLD/ YELLOW
Doctor of Business Administration
Doctor of Education in Distance Education
THE RIBBONS
The four colours of these ribbons— rose, yellow, blue/black, and white— represent the four seasons, the four parts of our being (spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional), the four hills of life, and the four directions.
This gift of ribbons is given to the graduates, as we honour and pay respect to the hard work they put into their education.
Elder in Residence Dr. Maria Campbell, as part of her teachings, uses the following colours to represent these elements:
ROSE IS FOR THE EAST the season of Spring, babies and children, and the place of Red Bear. The time for new life and where we envision and plan for our future.
YELLOW IS FOR THE SOUTH the season of Summer, adolescence, and young adulthood. The place of the Yellow Bear and a time of growth and hard work.
BLUE OR BLACK IS FOR THE WEST the season of Autumn, mature adulthood, and the Black Bear. It is a time for reflection, dreaming, prayers, and harvest.
WHITE IS FOR THE NORTH the season of Winter, old age, and the White Bear. It is a time of achievement, knowledge, and understanding.
Bears are protectors of family and community and they are the medicine keepers. As we travel through each direction, we honour and respect all of wahkohtowin—the Cree law governing relationships to all things in our world—to the living and dead, animate and inanimate, spiritual, and physical beings.
As part of Athabasca University’s conciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples, a gift of ribbons is given to graduates of Athabasca University. Historically, different coloured sticks were used as offerings in ceremonies but those were eventually replaced by cloth and ribbons.
Elder in Residence Dr. Maria Campbell uses ribbons as offerings as part of this convocation ceremony. With these ribbons, we honour our graduates’ path to knowledge and the hard work they’ve done. We wish for them to have a balanced life in all of their being—spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional—on their path towards miyo-pimatisiwin, the good life.
Our best wishes to the Class of 2026.
WELCOME TO AN ALUMNI COMMUNITY LIKE NO OTHER!
Class of 2026, it is my honour to congratulate you on your graduation and welcome you to an alumni community like no other.
This moment reflects years of hard work, sacrifice, and persistence that occurred quietly and behind the scenes.
Earning a degree meant balancing responsibilities, pushing through long nights, and persevering even when it felt difficult. Today is a reflection of everything you’ve sacrificed to get here.
One of the most meaningful parts of being an AU alum is the shared understanding of that journey. Even though our lives may look different, there is an immediate connection in knowing what it took to reach this milestone.
As you move into this next chapter, stay connected to the people who understand that experience best. The relationships you build through the alumni community can become lifelong friendships, create future opportunities, and are an important reminder that you are part of something bigger than the degree itself.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. I hope you take the time to truly celebrate everything you’ve accomplished.
Hollett, MBA ‘25, MN ‘22 Alumni Representative, AU Board of Governors
Brittany
