Athabasca Universityís annual convocation is just days away.
As has become an early summer custom in this area, hundreds of graduates will make the trip to Athabasca from all over the country (and the world) to receive their diplomas in their fields of study.
This Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Athabasca Regional Multiplex will be packed for the convocation ceremonies, with graduates and special honorees (recipients of the Order of Athabasca University and honorary doctorates) all having their moment in the sun.
Graduating from college and university is one of lifeís great challenges and accomplishments, especially when youíre studying at a distance, and all of AUís graduates certainly deserve their big day. Despite the administrative concerns that have cast a pall over the school in recent months, it is a testament to the institution that so many students continue to take their courses and graduate from their programs.
It canít be argued that AU offers valuable learning opportunities and terrific faculty with which students can interface as they study their fields of interest.
AU is a cornerstone of this community, which is one of the reasons why this yearís news of layoffs was met with such outcry. Cuts to post-secondary education are always unfortunate, but theyíre especially so in a town where such a school is a major employer. The health of AU and the health of the town are not easily separated, and all residents want that health to be the best it can be.
Putting aside other concerns, congratulations to all of the graduates, and to the school itself for its continued success.
