AU Convocation 2003 took place this past weekend. Graduates from all over Canada – and beyond – made their way to Athabasca for the ceremonies, while others celebrated their achievement at home. This week, I asked AU students to send their congratulatory messages to our grads. Here is what you had to say:
Dear Voice,
I have been thinking about the graduates this week, and I would like to send them my heartiest congratulations. I have some idea of what it took to get there, and I can’t wait until it is my turn. I will be thinking of them this Saturday, and I hope they all have a wonderful time.
Michele Wass
Congratulations to all graduates! I worked 11 years in total for my Bachelor of General Studies, so I know how much determination, sacrifice, and just plain hard work goes into getting a degree. You have achieved something which most people wouldn’t even attempt, so enjoy your success! All the best to you!
Sue MacKenzie, BGS ’88
I am truly jealous that you have worked so hard and achieved what I am still slogging through. This is your time to celebrate.
Don’t forget us here at AU and remember to come back and say “hi” once in a while.
Congratulations!
–Laura Seymour
Voice Columnist and BA student
Way to go Grads!!! I can’t wait till it is my turn to follow in your footsteps.
Fiona Ott
To all the recent graduates of Athabasca University
Congratulations on your achievement, and thank you for providing inspiration for the rest of us. It can be done!
Karl Low – AUSU
Congratulation Graduates!
I had the opportunity to attend convocation this year and you have all inspired me to keep going and finish my degree so I too can experience the all mighty high of standing up on that stage. The beams on your faces and the tears in your eyes made me feel so proud for all of you that attended. Some of you completed your degrees in 4 years, some took 16 years, but each and every one of you stuck with it and you inspire the rest of us to hang in there.
I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and I hope that you all now enjoy being able to read books you actually want to read 😉
AU PRIDE
Sandra Moore – AUSU
To all of this year’s graduates [including those who will graduate in December and miss out on all the fanfare], I have never met most of you – in fact, I only know one of you – but your accomplishment has inspired me greatly. The dropout rates in distance ed are high, and it’s easy to imagine that completing the 40 courses needed for the degree is an impossible task. You have shown us that it can be done, and this, more than anything, is what will take many of us through to the end. I wish you all the best in your futures, and I hope that your AU degree opens doors that you never thought possible.
Congratulations!
Tamra Ross Low – Editor
If you haven’t congratulated the grads and still would like to, feel free to send your messages to The Voice. Also, send us your comments on Alberta’s recent brush with Mad Cow. Do you feel we are doing enough to prevent it? Do you even know what it is, or have you been left in the dark?