11 hours ago
Saskatchewan Polytech hosts more than 300 students at Saskatoon convocation
It was a day of celebration for the 318 graduates who convocated from Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon on Monday.
'Convocation day is the most exciting day of the year. It's the opportunity where we get to come together, celebrate, recognize the accomplishments of the students of the faculty, and really just have that opportunity to celebrate and be together,' Kendra Strong-Garcia told CTV News. She serves as the director of student experience and learning services at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
TCU Place was filled with graduates, who were happy to share the day with loved ones.
'My parents are here. They're both teachers, so it's been nice to be able to have them have time off and come and then my boyfriend's also here as well,' explained student Stephanie Ritchie.
'It's nice to just have everyone that you care about be here.'
Another graduate, Katrina Ilagan shared that her whole family travelled in from Rosetown to see her walk across the stage.
'[It's] exciting, I saw my mom graduate last year and two of my sisters graduated last year. So, I'm like, 'Okay, next year is my day,'' Ilagan said.
The students both added that their time at Sask Polytech has taught them a lot, and the immersive learning environment was one they enjoyed.
'I think having something that's way more hands on and kind of a smaller room was definitely a better fit for me. I think you just kind of get to know what you're more stepping into after graduation,' Ritchie said.
'It's like hands on learning, especially the teachers I like their one-on-one teaching, so that's why I chose polytechnic,' Ilagan said.
While the Sask Polytech staff see several convocations throughout their careers, the day is always special according to Strong-Garcia.
'I love watching the families cheer on their students or their graduates walking across the stage, she said.
'Especially the ones that have younger kids themselves and the kids are here supporting their mom or their dad, that's my favorite part.'
