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 more than 450 from the Faculty of Health and Community Studies.

Here, future social workers, police officers, physical therapists and childcare providers look back on their time at MacEwan, and toward their bright futures.

MURITALA ARIYO
Police and Investigations Diploma

I worked for over 15 years as an investigator in an anti-graft agency in West Africa. I wanted to find a program that aligned with my investigation career experience and provided an opportunity to enhance my familiarity with Canada's policing and investigation as a career. There were over two decades between my previous university experience and coming to MacEwan, and initially I was worried I wouldn’t do well. My fears were tamed by how the program was structured, the facilities provided, the standard of instructors and the general academic atmosphere.

When I had to do an informational interview with Assistant Professor John Haney, one of my favourite instructors, for a business communications assignment, the interaction exposed me to a deeper understanding of the opportunities that can come from this program. That conversation eventually led to my field placement with one of the best private investigation firms in Canada.

My wife was always there to provide support and encouragement, and my daughters were always inquisitive, propelling me to strive for the best grades. The team spirit of my classmates made the journey sociable, interactive and helpful, regardless of where we came from.

In the immediate future, I hope to get a job that offers the experience to continue my passion for investigation as a career.

EMILY GOERZ
Police and Investigations Diploma

Until I came to MacEwan, I thought school wasn’t for me. In the first semester of my second year, everything became real. I realized that the hard work that I put in was paying off. After completing my program, I could see that this field was for me, and that I could do something that would not just make a difference in my life but in the lives of others as well.

I always wanted to make a positive difference within my community and be a person people could rely on. I want to enforce laws in a positive manner and be there for people when they are at their maddest, saddest or baddest – a saying that I learned from one of my favourite profs. People all have a deeper story than what we see on the surface; there is always a history that we will never know. 

I hope to be a peace officer because I want to be somebody who is recognized for the good they can do and the help they can provide in times of need. I want to be a role model in my community and demonstrate what can happen when you follow your dreams.

ELIZABETH HEIL
Child and Youth Care Diploma

Volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club in high school inspired me to think about a career working with youth. I grew up in a low-income household and know what it means to live paycheque to paycheque. I see now how crucial the support from youth and social workers was to us growing up. Although I can't change a child’s or youth's situation, I can make it more bearable and give them the resources to thrive on their own. It's the moments of sharing laughter and stories that make me feel as though I am making an impact.  

When I began my practicum in group care, I was worried I wouldn't excel in that environment. My supervisor was the best, including me in meetings and conversations about the group home. The experience was eye-opening and allowed me to explore a different environment than I am used to. I am currently a relief worker in that group home. Looking back, it surprises me how scared I was when I first started there.

My plan right now is to complete my degree and start working full time in the field. My mind is always changing, but I would like to experience working in either a women's shelter or Children's Services. Success to me looks like having a job that keeps me on my toes and makes me feel accomplished.

GABRIELLE HERRERA
Early Learning and Childcare Diploma

When I was a child, I dreamed of being a teacher. I used my stuffed animals as students, giving each a pen and paper. My sister Kisha and I would pretend to be ballet teachers, making up names to call attendance and creating choreography, and our imaginary students would compete with each other.  

Kisha was already attending MacEwan when I started, and she guided me through the challenges of being a new student. She helped me find my way around campus and brought me food on breaks. Our bond grows stronger every day, and I'll always be grateful for her unconditional support during my time at MacEwan

Even with her help, I felt a little lost when I started university right out of high school. But as I found my footing, I felt a sense of belonging – not just in the classroom but also in my practicum. The genuine care I received from my professors encouraged me to keep going. I've collaborated and found people who are like family to me at MacEwan. 

I plan to continue my studies in the education field and become an elementary teacher. I aspire to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential, growing as a mighty learner and citizen. 

VICTORIA HOANG
Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration

I began my MacEwan journey in the Physical/Occupational Therapy Assistant program back in 2015. Because of my passion to help others and make a difference to their lives, particularly children with disabilities, I was motivated to do more. MacEwan became a place that not only challenged me, but also encouraged me to overcome my doubts, filling me with pride and a sense of achievement. Without the guidance from one of the MacEwan advisors, I wouldn’t have known about this program and I’m truly thankful. 

Balancing work and school online at the same time was no easy task, often resulting in limited sleep and a lack of social life. Sometimes, small achievements like completing assignments after a busy week felt like big accomplishments. During one of my placements, I had to take on a leadership role, which was unfamiliar and intimidating. Through it, I learned that I can step out of my comfort zone and that embracing new challenges is essential in personal growth. Those moments remind me to continually push myself, so I can make a positive impact on others. 

I’m fortunate to have supportive family, friends and caring professors. They’ve been there through my lows and highs, offering words of encouragement and providing valuable feedback throughout this journey. 

My next step is to pursue a master’s degree in either physiotherapy or occupational therapy. Regardless of what I decide, I want to be someone people can count on.

KIANA KRUEGER
Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies

In my third year, I worked as a research assistant for Dr. Ozlem Cankaya and Dr. Lee Makovichuk. Taking on both positions while still being a full-time student was challenging, but it was an incredibly valuable and enriching experience.

I travelled to Scotland to attend the IPA conference, where I had the honour of presenting my research alongside Dr. Cankaya. The experience was the culmination of hard work and dedication, and it felt incredibly rewarding to see my efforts recognized and valued on such an esteemed platform. 

Following a class assignment in Dr. Makovichuk’s class, she told us that our ideas deserved a wider audience. She took it upon herself to organize an event where we could present our projects to a broader audience beyond the classroom, and even get our work published.

Currently, I am working as a research assistant with Flight: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework. As I look ahead, I am excited to continue growing and learning as much as I can within the field of early childhood education. My immediate plans involve immersing myself further into the community, gaining more hands-on experience and contributing to the development of high-quality childcare environments. I am also considering pursuing a master's degree at the University of British Columbia. 

GHADEAR MATROUD
Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies

My journey to MacEwan was a dream, a goal and a dedication. I stood in front of the MacEwan sign across from the LRT station in 2017, and I dreamed of the day I would graduate from here with pride and dignity. MacEwan, for me, means a dream that can come true.

When I reflect on my time here, I realize how strong and capable I can be in achieving my desires. I recall the moments I spent writing essays, conducting research and wondering when my assignments would be finished. When I finally completed my assignment, the pressure I had been under turned out to be a positive force that encouraged me to keep going. 

Mariam Hajar, my friend and honorary sister, was my true inspiration and made a significant difference in my journey through university. Her constant support and positive attitude since day one was unwavering. Mariam’s influence, encouragement and friendship has taught me to believe in myself and that challenges were nothing but a beacon towards strengths and positivity to welcome new learnings.

I plan to implement my learning into my career and see it grow as I work alongside children, and I intend to continue my education as I strive to be an important person in the life of a child. 

KARALYN MOULY
Bachelor of Child and Youth Care

I started my post-secondary journey at Lakeland College, taking my early learning and childcare certificate. After my practicum, I decided I needed a change. The chair of human services suggested child and youth care, which I had never heard of. I ended up getting my diploma through Lakeland College and transferring to MacEwan for my degree. 

I had the opportunity to present at the international child and youth care conference in Dublin, Ireland in November 2023. Jenny McGrath and Christine Pope were talking in class about attending and presenting at the conference, and a friend and I decided to apply. The experience of being at the conference was so positive and inviting. It was a little intimidating to meet the people who wrote my textbooks, but everyone was so kind and helpful, and the sessions were so diverse! 

A big takeaway from the conference was the importance of networking, and not just within your own workspace, but around the world. The child and youth care field is so connected and it is so helpful to have other people who understand what you are talking about to bounce ideas off of and get other perspectives.

Our presentation, “Expanding and Diversifying Trauma Care Starts with Enabling Students to Embrace their Unique Journeys,” talked about each of our stories, how we ended up in the child and youth care field and why we chose more unique career paths out of it. I am aiming to become a child life specialist, and the next step for me is an internship. 

JENINA NERIZ MANGAHAS
Bachelor of Social Work

I see social work as a profession that bridges a person to their community. I'm looking forward to being a part of the future of social work here in Canada as new and tenured social workers strive towards decolonization.

At first, I had a hard time overcoming my guilt of having to put my baby in daycare while I attended school, especially when I had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom for her big sister. But ultimately, I'm doing this for them, so I can provide for them through a career that is meaningful to me. 

There was a point where I was contemplating dropping my courses to focus on my mental health. My professor, Faye Hamilton, listened to me, showed me compassion and believed in me. Talk about practicing what you preach.

Now that I’m graduating, I’m looking forward to working with families and children. I had two field placements at Children's Services, once in my Social Work diploma and then again in my Bachelor of Social Work, which taught me a lot. There is a great demand for social workers in this field, from child intervention to family reunification and everything in between. 

JACOB PYPER
Social Work Diploma

I’ve always wanted my career to be about helping people, but what that looked like has changed a lot. This is actually my second career – I started out as a paramedic. It didn’t end up being what I wanted to do long term, but I learned a lot about myself and took a lot of valuable skills and insights from the experience. At first, returning to school felt like a setback, especially when I had this particular idea of how life should go. That kind of thinking didn’t last, though – I realized that it was all just part of the journey. 

I saw a lot of problems in my community that I wanted to do my part in solving, and so many other options just seemed like putting band-aids on those problems. Social work looks towards real, holistic solutions that address the root causes of issues, rather than just dealing with their symptoms.

My first big role play in a course – playing the part of a social worker carrying out an assessment with a client – was a big deal for me. Going into it, I was incredibly nervous (it didn’t look like it on the recording, though!) I had a few stumbles along the way but, by the end, I was really proud of how I did. It felt like a real culmination of all the work I’d done that semester.

I’ve been accepted into the Bachelor of Social Work program here at MacEwan. Beyond that, I have an interest in working with those in poverty or with young adults as they transition into adulthood, but I’m open to anything.

ANGELA SCHROEDER
Bachelor of Child and Youth Care
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

I arrived at MacEwan as a dropout – I left a different program at another university back in 2019. I didn’t think I had the smarts to return to school, much less complete an undergraduate degree and celebrate with my fellow graduates. 

I see child and youth care practitioners as “vulnerability artists.” We support vulnerable populations and those at their most vulnerable across their lifespans and in various life spaces. The ability to do this is an art rooted in compassion and authenticity. In this artistry, I have found my peace and my passion.

These past four years taught me I have a voice, especially in situations where others may put me down or question my talents and capabilities. I am eternally grateful to the faculty, staff, friends and my chosen family for never trying to silence me and empowering me to pursue self-improvement. By doing so, they helped me recognize how to best show up for those we work with despite my inner child’s doubts. 

Catherine Hedlin was a remarkable professor who helped me navigate trauma, grief and bereavement. She was consistent in her support and always looked out for her students. I was utterly devastated when she suddenly passed away on the same day as my best friend’s funeral in the Fall term of 2022. I felt deeply honoured when I was nominated for the Catherine Hedlin Child and Youth Care Award, and was moved to tears when I was selected as the recipient. Catherine left a lasting impact on me, and I know I am not the only one. Her legacy inspires students like me to push for excellence in our field.

RICHEENA YELLOWKNEE
Bachelor of Social Work

I’ve always wanted to help people. More specifically, Indigenous people. I grew up, lived and worked within my reserve; I saw firsthand how we need more educated and experienced people to go home and serve the community they come from. I also saw the lack of services and how barriers have affected everyone in one way or another. I want to be a part of breaking those barriers and helping the next generations heal, grow and thrive. Our communities have so much to offer and so much potential. 

I chose MacEwan for my education because it was close to home. The focus the social work program had on Indigenous Traditional Knowledge was comforting. It brought me closer to my culture and exposed me to teachings I never had before. 

The summer before my first term was the hardest and worst one I’ve had. There was so much loss and change. I was still navigating through those feelings when school started. Assistant Professor Amber Dion taught my first class. Walking into her classroom and seeing that she was so welcoming, understanding and passionate about the social work program as an Indigenous woman made me excited to see what else MacEwan had to offer.

I even made the dean's list in my first year. I was over 30, an independent mom, and had just started living in Edmonton. That accomplishment just solidified that I was where I was supposed to be, doing what I was supposed to do. 

Getting my degree opened more doors for me within social work, and now I need to figure out what excites me and what I’m passionate about. The opportunities are endless!