We’re so proud of the nearly 2,400 people who earned the privilege of walking across the stage at the university’s Spring Convocation ceremonies on June 18, 19 and 20 at the Winspear Centre, including nearly 150 from the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications.

Here, future performers, artists, designers and communications professionals look back on their time at MacEwan, and toward their bright futures.

ALFONSO ACEVEDO
Bachelor of Communication Studies, Journalism

I had some amazing professors, and I believe they each left their mark on me in different ways. Whether it was through their knowledge or a piece of advice, I believe I grew a lot over my time at MacEwan. 

I chose to pursue journalism because working in sports broadcasting – particularly for hockey or soccer – has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. 

I’m currently working in the hockey field as the head of European hockey scouting for Recruit Scouting. After working my way up from a Canadian Jr. A scout, I am now Recruit’s Nordic region expert and cover the Edmonton Oil Kings for Recruit, and get to meet and talk with the players and coaches. I am also one of the voices of the MacEwan Griffins hockey team, working as a play-by-play and colour commentator, and providing some camera work. In my free time, I help coach my youngest brother’s hockey team and do other volunteer work for community leagues and organizations in Edmonton. 

KAILIN AMES-GAGNE
Music Theatre Performance Diploma

I always dreamed of being a performer, and it’s something I want to do for the rest of my life. I chose to study performance to learn as much as I could before going into the professional world.

One of the best things I’ve done at MacEwan is being an executive member of the Musical Theatre Club. We hosted many fun events like a miscast cabaret where we all played roles we normally wouldn’t. The club does them every year and people should really check them out!

The person who inspired me the most MacEwan was David Wilson, my private vocal coach. He always pushed me to be the best version of myself. He never let me pick easy pieces and was really encouraging when I expressed my interest in pursuing a more in-depth musical theatre education. He knew right from the start that I wanted to accomplish big things and always supported me in doing that.

I am heading to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City this fall to pursue further education in musical theatre and audition in the professional realm. I hope to create educational programs for international theatre students to expand the arts industry.

DYLAN ANDERSON
Bachelor of Music, Recording and Production

Ever since I got my first guitar in elementary school, I knew I wanted to be a musician. Prior to coming to MacEwan, I had played lots of gigs at different venues around Edmonton. Committing four years of my life to learning more about my craft was the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make.

I know not all families are super jazzed about arts degrees, so I’m very lucky to have supportive parents who were overjoyed that their kid was getting a music degree and let me to live at home during my degree so I could focus all my energy on my studies and my music career. 

My final recording capstone project was a really valuable and testing experience. I decided to record an EP of myself, which included a lot of vocal layers and unique production style. Self-leading was a true challenge for me, and I felt a rollercoaster of emotions while getting this project done. In the end, I got to record something that is really special to me, and I’m looking to release some of the songs this year.

Right now, I’ve been taking on jobs as a live sound tech around the city. It feels really rewarding to work directly in my field fresh out of my degree. In the near future, I’m hoping to take on internships at recording studios and local radio stations. My big dream is to open a recording studio of my own.

NATHAN BEHNKE
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Theatre Production

My journey hasn’t been entirely linear. I took a returning year in high school after graduating to meet the prerequisites for the Theatre Production program. I graduated from MacEwan for the first time in 2020, received my diploma in the mail (for obvious reasons) and spent two years unsure if theatre was still a viable path. They opened the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in 2022, and now I am a part of the first-ever graduating class of the MacEwan BFA.

A special moment for me was presenting my capstone project at Student Research Day. I’ve learned a lot at MacEwan and spent months creating a singular massive product – a giant Audrey II puppet from Little Shop of Horrors. I got to stand with, and talk to people about, this testament to my hard work and dedication, which felt very satisfying in a way nothing else quite has been.

The most important person in my time at MacEwan was Josée Chartrand. Whether as an instructor, a mentor, a designer or just any time I needed advice, I always knew I could go to her. When I first got assigned to a wardrobe crew, I was anxious because I didn’t feel comfortable in my sewing skills. Through working on that show, and because of Josée, I found a passion in sewing, and costuming has become my primary interest.

Currently, I’m building props and painting for The Tempest at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival and rehearsing shadow puppetry for The Wake of Leroy McGuinness at the Edmonton Fringe Festival.

VIK CHU
Bachelor of Design

I've loved the field of design since I was young – my interests led me through interior, industrial, graphic, and now digital experience and architectural design. I get a kick out of how the discipline combines creative, theoretical and functional perspectives to solve human problems. Right now, I'm most interested in leveraging design in public service contexts, as I've discovered that improving the lives of those around me is a core value of mine.

There were so many standout moments during my time here, but one of my favourites was staying in Allard Hall well into the evening with a fellow classmate, Cynthia Ma, to work on a model of a trade show booth we designed together. We came to the workroom prepared with snacks, two hot glue guns and a whole lot of grit. We aced the project, which was featured in the Mitchell Art Gallery as part of the 2024 Design Portfolio Show.

Dr. Isabelle Sperano introduced me to the important and oft-underfunded role of research. I had the additional privilege of working with her as a research assistant, and she taught me how to navigate the challenges of real-world projects, and know when to step away from the work and manage my perfectionism.

I'd like a year or two of industry experience before I dive into graduate architecture studies. For the moment, I’m ready to kick back this summer and hop on a solo road trip.

CHYKES DELSON
Music Theatre Performance Diploma
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence recipient

The arts have always been a part of my life. I started taking ballet when I was five, and was part of an award-winning competitive children's choir in my teenage years. I earned my bachelor's degree in fine arts majoring in information design, then I pursued my master's degree in music education. With the knowledge and skills I’ve gathered, I discovered my vocation in music theatre.

I was still in the Philippines when I found MacEwan’s program, and arrived in Canada in August 2022 as an international student. To immerse myself in my new home, I volunteered at events on campus, joined a student group and entered a few contests – I even won some in design and music! I also presented original compositions at Student Research Day in 2023 and 2024. At the end of the day, music and art helped me cope with being far from loved ones while making me feel productive. 

My mom has always supported and inspired me when it comes to the arts. In my ballet and choir performances, she was there helping with preparations and giving constructive feedback. But since I moved here, she can't be with me to help look for costumes, apply my makeup and choose a hairdo, but she was always glad when I shared videos of our performances.

Now that I’m graduating, I plan to stay in Canada and continue performing, with the ultimate goal of composing for musicals. Currently, I’m arranging music for an upcoming Edmonton Fringe Festival show, and will perform in another. I am also working on an original musical. Who knows? It might be ready for the Fringe next year! 

MARY ESCANO
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Arts

Having opportunities to share my work publicly allowed me to see how people engaged with it, and to discuss my research and process with others. Through exhibitions like the 2024 Studio Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Grad Show, I connected with other artists and faculty, discussed my work and research, and received a wide range of feedback for my projects.

Kerri-Lynn Reeves helped to expand my skillset when she introduced me to weaving. Whenever I struggled with concepts for projects, she was there to listen and provide me with resources and artistic inspiration. Her help, in addition to other supportive professors, contributed immensely to my overall studies and my final BFA project.

Currently, I am working as an exhibit production and technology assistant for The Works Art and Design Festival. I also recently had my artwork displayed as part of the Edmonton Philippine Arts Council’s exhibition, “Contemplating the Tapestry of Filipino-Canadian Connections.”

BAILEY EXELL
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Arts and Cultural Management

I grew up as a competitive dancer, was in the junior high and high school band as a tenor saxophone player, and took part in various drama and musical theatre productions in high school. The arts have always been a strong passion of mine. I graduated with a diploma in Arts and Cultural Management in 2018, and once I heard the full bachelor’s program was officially happening, it only made sense to continue my education.

Before I pursued my diploma, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. So many people point to the financial importance of a career, rather than doing something you love. I’m so very thankful that this program has allowed me to pursue a career that I’m passionate about while also supporting myself. I always say that a career in this field can be defined as “beautiful chaos.” There is no consistency in what we do, and that means being able to change things constantly, but the end result is nothing short of beautiful.

I am applying to get my master’s degree in arts, festival and cultural management through the articulation route MacEwan has with Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Not only will it be beneficial to have even more education under my belt, but being able to study in the festival capital of the world would allow me to expand my knowledge and resources to the arts and cultural management sector.

TAE KIM
Bachelor of Music, Performance

I always wanted to study jazz music, but was hesitant because I didn’t see anyone in my cultural community doing so and I had no one to relate to. After a couple of years in different fields of study, I realized I would not feel good about my life if I kept ignoring that desire, so I eventually applied to the MacEwan music program. I’m passionate about being able to be that example to my cultural community, to provide a glimpse of what this field looks like for any future aspiring jazz students who may have the same hesitations that I had.

In my third year, I was given the opportunity to perform in the piano seat in the MacEwan Big Band. It was a lot of pressure, and I never really felt confident in rehearsals. Regardless, my understanding of jazz piano improved significantly over that year, and I am proud of how far I’ve come.

There are so many instructors and professors who have inspired me here at MacEwan. Ray Baril and Chris Andrew taught me what a professional musician needs to be, and Kent Sangster helped me discover what it means to be an artist. 

Musicians never really finish studying, so I will keep learning in a variety of genres. I have some exciting personal projects that I have found passion in, and will be working on those when I’m not playing or teaching piano.

DANIELLE MCDOW-YORK
Bachelor of Design

When I was young, my mother was studying for her diploma at MacEwan while also working two jobs and raising me as a single parent. I can still remember my grandma and I dropping her off on campus and how it felt to look up and see the clock tower reaching up so high it seemed to break through the clouds. I felt so proud knowing my mum studied in such a magical place, and I’ve carried a small piece of this wonder with me.

I started my own education here in the Bachelor of Science program, majoring in psychology and minoring in philosophy. While I loved the material, I felt disconnected from the creative part of myself. I was about to begin my third year when I learned the design program was offering a bachelor’s degree, and it shook my trajectory. I couldn’t get it out of my mind until I finally made the difficult decision to switch disciplines.

Since entering the design program, I really feel as though I’ve found my path. Twenty-first century design allows me to leverage my background in psychology, philosophy and fine art in practical and applied ways. It’s given me the ability to address a wide breadth of large-scale problems creatively and collaboratively. 

I am greatly enjoying this transition from one chapter to the next. It is important to me that the work I do be aligned with my values of sustainability, creativity and curiosity. I hope to work with and learn from a diverse team of individuals who are also striving toward improving livelihoods, experiences and services for all.

JENNIFER ONWUDINJO
Bachelor of Design

In design, I get to explore, understand and learn things I didn't even know that I didn't know. Every day is different and it’s fun to live life exploring other cultures, identities and people.

During my time as a design student, I drew inspiration from various sources, including my fellow students. We constantly challenged each other, feeding off one another’s creativity and sharing wild ideas. In one of my photography classes, we gathered in the studio to get accustomed to the space and learn the technical aspects of photography. As part of the learning process, we used each other as models, leading to some amusing situations. We also had to run around the campus looking for things to add to our photographs, experimenting with different techniques and ideas. Despite the chaos, everyone's creativity shone through, and the resulting photographs reflected the energy and enthusiasm of the class.

I plan to put what I've learned at MacEwan into practice as a graphic designer. I aim to explore the nuances of the industry and collaborate with other creatives, both experienced professionals and newcomers like myself.

PAUL PORRAS
Bachelor of Design

After graduating from a program at NAIT, I felt deep down that something was amiss, and I wasn’t quite happy with my projected career path. I had no idea that graphic design even existed since a major part of my academic career had always placed emphasis on math and science. It wasn’t until after I started the Bachelor of Design program that my passion grew. Learning that visual communication plays such a simple yet huge role in our everyday lives was a game changer for me. 

One unexpected lesson I had during my time at MacEwan has a lot to do with the concept of “luck.” I've come to understand that luck is simply the intersection between hard work and opportunity, and to be considered “lucky” requires an upfront investment in yourself. Setting a clear direction makes it possible to meet the many opportunities afforded to you along the way. 

In my last year, I spent four months studying abroad in Nagasaki, Japan. I got to see some of the most amazing sights, make a ton of memories and meet amazing people. If I could have it my way, I would move to Japan in hopes of further learning the language and pursuing an international career in design.

ELI YASCHUK
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Music Theatre Performance

I was the type of kid who was constantly making up dances and plays in my backyard, and in high school I was part of my school's theatre program. So when it came time to decide what I was going to study in university, theatre was the obvious choice. Before I came to MacEwan I had been attending the theatre program’s plays and musicals for years, so I already knew how professional, creative and engaging the theatre program is here.

For me, theatre is all about storytelling, and the Music Theatre Performance program allowed me to develop my skills in this. I love getting to use music, dance and text as ways to connect with others – it really is magical.

There were two professors who really inspired me during my time here. I got to work with Jim Guedo on three mainstage shows during my time at MacEwan, and his love for theatre definitely encouraged me to strive for the best in all I do. Doug Mertz is both an amazing teacher and actor; he has wholeheartedly supported me through my own artistic journey. My time at MacEwan would not have been the same without either of them. 

I am looking forward to being part of the city’s theatre community and will be doing a show called Radiant Vermin with Northern Light Theatre, during their 2024/25 season. It is a wickedly comedic satire that I am really looking forward to working on!