91°µÍř˝űÇř

A sense of pride, possibility and reflection filled the Red and White Club at the 91°µÍř˝űÇř on June 16 as more than 1,000 learners were celebrated during the 2026 graduation ceremony.

Family members, friends, instructors and university leaders gathered to recognize a diverse graduating class united by a shared commitment to lifelong learning. Many graduates balanced their studies alongside full-time work, family responsibilities and community commitments, making their achievements all the more significant.

A global community of lifelong learners

This year’s graduating class represents a growing and increasingly global learning community. From local classrooms to learners joining from around the world, Continuing Education continues to provide accessible, flexible pathways for individuals looking to advance their careers, shift directions or pursue personal goals.

The ceremony opened with a blessing from Elder Noella Wells, who helped to start the celebration in a good way. 

Associate Vice-President (Continuing Education) began the evening by welcoming graduates, families, friends and instructors to the celebration. She acknowledged the dedication it took to reach this milestone and reminded graduates that the evening was a chance to celebrate not only their accomplishments, but also the perseverance, growth and support networks that helped them succeed.

LeBlanc also welcomed several distinguished speakers in attendance, including Chancellor Jon Cornish in one of their final formal events in the role.

Drawing on their own experience as a Continuing Education student, Cornish reflected on the role lifelong learning played during their transition from professional football to a new chapter in their career. 

"Continuing Education gave me more than new skills or knowledge. It gave me direction, perspective and the confidence to step into something new,” said Cornish.

Building on those themes, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) praised graduates for their commitment to learning and their willingness to invest in their future.

“Graduates, congratulations to all of you on the incredible dedication and hard work you’ve shown,” said Davidson in her remarks. She acknowledged the determination required to reach this milestone, emphasizing that each graduate made a conscious decision to invest in their growth and take on new challenges.

The value of learning alongside people with different experiences and perspectives was another theme highlighted throughout the evening.

Associate Vice-President (Research – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) highlighted the value of learning alongside people whose experiences have been shaped by different professions, communities, and life journeys, emphasizing that diverse perspectives strengthen both individual learners and society as a whole. 

“Continuing education is powerful precisely because it brings these worlds into ethical relationality. It gathers people whose knowledge has been shaped by different sectors, professions, communities, and histories. It asks them to think together,” said Smith.

Transforming careers through courage

Among the stories shared at the ceremony was that of Theophilus Emmanuel, whose path to graduation reflects both resilience and adaptability.

Originally from Nigeria, Emmanuel built a multifaceted career spanning computer science, photography, IT, design, and health and safety. After relocating to the United Kingdom with his family in search of new opportunities, he faced an unexpected change in direction. Rather than retreat, he made a deliberate decision to pursue a new path, moving to Calgary to study construction management.

Now a graduate of the , Emmanuel describes his experience as “phenomenal.” His journey is a powerful example of what it means to pivot with purpose and embrace uncertainty with confidence.

Finding creativity and connection

The journey of Kat Dornian offers a different, but equally compelling perspective on the impact of lifelong learning.

After completing both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering at UCalgary, Dornian chose to explore a longstanding passion for creativity through the . Rather than set aside that interest, they leaned into it, building new skills and discovering new strengths along the way.

What began as skill development became something more. During their studies, Dornian became involved with Calgary’s writing community, discovered their poetic voice, and built the confidence to share their work more broadly, including pieces inspired by Dornian’s experience living with chronic illness.

Describing the experience as “powerful,” Dornian’s journey highlights how continuing education can foster not only professional growth, but creativity, self-discovery and meaningful connection.

More than a milestone

The stories of Emmanual and Dornian reflect a broader theme across the Class of 2026: The courage to begin, adapt and grow.

As the ceremony concluded, graduates were encouraged to see this moment not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of what comes next. Whether advancing in their careers, exploring new paths or continuing their education, they leave with skills, knowledge and confidence that will shape their futures.

“Remember, this is not the end of your journey, but just the beginning,” said Davidson. “It’s never too late to start something.”