Each year we reach out to grads for our Meet the Class stories. This spring, we worked with 59 students who generously shared their stories of studying, juggling jobs, volunteering, struggle, and ultimately success.

Many grads offer thanks to their family and friends, and kudos to faculty and staff. Because we’re focused on telling student stories and celebrating the incredible work they’ve done, not all of those shout-outs make their way into our final posted Meet the Class stories. 

So we’re sharing them here in a special edition shout-out piece to faculty and staff from our grads. (We know there are a lot of them, but we guarantee they're worth reading.)

Professors in the Department of International Business, Marketing, Strategy and Law undeniably made a lasting impact on my academic career. Brian Keller, Dr. Dan Wilson, Arlan Delisle and Dr. McKay White all made me look forward to coming to class. Every one of them has a genuine devotion to their students’ success, and that makes a world of difference when dealing with the stress of being a student.”  – Houda Choukair, Bachelor of Commerce, Legal Studies in Business '24

“LEGL 210 was one of the required courses that I dreaded the most, so I must thank my professor, Lorrie Adams, for showing me that law is more than just lawyers in white wigs screaming at each other in court (I grew up watching many Hong Kong television dramas).” – Wesley Tang, Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting/Legal Studies in Business '24

“I was so lucky to have some AMAZING profs. Allan Wesley, Dr. Albena Pergelova, Dr. Charles Keim, Dr. Elena Krevsky, Dr. Fernando Angulo-Ruiz, Ryan Orchard, Dr. Susan Mills and Dr. Bruce Thomson (just to name a few) were the most outstanding profs and teachers that I had. Each and every one of them was beyond helpful, challenged me to do better, and most of all, helped me learn. I am so grateful.” – Michael Black, Bachelor of Commerce, Management '24

“The summer of 2022 was the hardest/worst one I’ve had, and I was still navigating through those feelings when I walked into Amber Dion’s class. She was so welcoming, understanding and passionate about the social work program. As an Indigenous woman, that made me excited to see what else MacEwan had to offer. Looking back to that first experience, I see how it really helped me want to stay and complete the program.” – Richeena Yellowknee, Bachelor of Social Work '24

“In my third year, I was offered two research assistant positions by Dr. Ozlem Cankaya and Lee Makovichuk. It was a challenging, but incredibly valuable and enriching experience that pushed me beyond my perceived limits. I realized that I was capable of much more than I initially thought. Their unwavering support helped me grow into the confident professional I am today.” – Kiana Krueger, Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies '24

“I appreciate my instructors' valuable guidance and support, especially the exceptional duo of John Haney and Stewart Callioux.”  – Muritala Ariyo, Police and Investigations Diploma '24

“I was mentored by many professors who gave me incredible advice and helped me navigate my academic journey. In one of Dr. Cynthia Zutter’s senior classes I learned how to connect sustainability with the anthropological side to truly understand the complexities of climate change. Dr. Chaldeans Mensah and Dr. Jenanne Ferguson saw my efforts and nominated me for a Top 30 Under 30 Award, which was an incredible honour.” – Marium Sheikh, Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology '24

“Through the molecular/cellular stream of sciences, I had to take many labs, and most of which were taught by the amazing instructor Dr. Monica Davis. She very quickly began to make a difference in my learning by caring about her students beyond the learning environment. I’m forever grateful and will carry our interactions with me for a lifetime.” – Haley Boyd, Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences '24

“Dr. Sam Qorbani always pushed us to do more and helped us understand not only the development side of the field, but the professional and research side as well. You can tell he really cares about not only his work, but the future of his students, pushing everyone he works with to go above and beyond.” – Zachary Swensrude, Bachelor of Science, Computer Science '24

The hockey team's athletic trainer, Paul Trevor, made a huge difference during my time at MacEwan. He’s always been there for me and every other player or student who sees him – from helping prop up my dislocated shoulder while we waited for an ambulance to daily chats and preparations for physiotherapy school. His compassionate personality and the quality of his work inspire me to be a great physiotherapist. – Mila Verbicky, Bachelor of Science, Psychology '24

I think the person who inspired me the most at MacEwan was David Wilson, my private vocal coach. He never let me pick easy pieces and was really encouraging and understanding when I expressed my interest in moving to the United States to pursue a more in-depth musical theatre education. He knew right from the start that I wanted to accomplish big things and always pushed me to do that. – Kailin Ames-Gagne, Music Theatre Performance Diploma '24

My instructors at MacEwan were incredible! They would help us build our confidence in asking questions and watching other people do skills as there’s no way you can learn everything about nursing in school. One instructor, in particular, always went above and beyond for me. Esther Houghland not only would hold extra study practice for all the students (not just ones in her class) where she would relate the material to her experiences and make it more digestible but she also was there for support if you needed it!  – Shelby Brennan, Bachelor of Science in Nursing '24

Dr. Jessica Romney left such an impression on me regarding what academic and personal excellence looks like in daily practice with intentional habits. She always knew what she was talking about, and I could ask any relevant (or irrelevant) questions, and she had masterful answers. I strive to emulate her professional approach in my own classroom such as clear communication, precision, justice, and efficiency. – Nevin Janzen, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science '24

“Many of my professors were outstanding, brilliant individuals; they were passionate about what they taught and, most of all, considerate of us students. Dr. Dianna Dempsey, in particular, comes to mind. I took several of her human resource management classes, and not only did she share insightful knowledge about the field, but she also prioritized the well-being of her students and was kind and understanding. – Raeanne-Marie Picoc, Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resource Management '24

Josée Chartrand has been my wardrobe instructor for my entire time here at MacEwan, and she has been nothing less than supportive. When I got assigned to a wardrobe crew I was disappointed and scared because I didn’t feel comfortable sewing, but through working that show, and because of Josée, I found competency and passion in sewing, and costuming has become my primary interest in theatre. Whether it was as an instructor, a mentor, a designer, or any time I needed advice, I always knew I could go to her. – Nathan Behnke, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Theatre Production '24

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. – Mary Escano, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Arts '24

Randi Ziorio Dunlop was one of the most caring professors/teachers I have ever seen, investing so much time and effort into her students to help them succeed and go beyond what they think they can do. Elly O'Greysik and Paula Culling were unbelievably personable clinical instructors I had that I still hold in the highest regards to this day. Also back when I was doing a BA before I transferred to the RPN program, Dr. Jayne Gackenbach was the COOOOOOOLEST person I ever met and her 400-level Transpersonal Psychology class was to this day the best class I ever took. – Connor Kapty, Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing '24

“I was often unsure and worried about my progress and classes, but having Jancie Miller as an academic advisor diminished so much stress for me. She is so caring, amazing and really allowed me to keep track of what I needed to get done.” – Ivy Ho, Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resource Management '24

So many people inspired me. Dr. Christy Raymond graciously gave an impassioned speech at the Nursing Student Gala about connection and community. Dr. Liz Burgess-Pinto taught me about advocacy and planetary health, and Margaret Milner showed me the vital importance of meeting people where they are. – Ashley Stoltz, Bachelor of Science in Nursing '24

Jim Guedo and Doug Mertz are two incredible artists who play vibrant roles in the theatre community here in Edmonton. I got to work with Jim 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 is both an amazing teacher and actor, and he has whole-heartedly supported me through my own artistic journey. My time at MacEwan would not have been the same without either of them. – Eli Yaschuk, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Music Theatre Performance '24