This column contains the last of our graduate profiles from Convocation 2003. Congratulations to all grads. Next week, 2 new alumni profiles.
Sandra Moore caught up with Kilmeny, Murray and Shauna at convocation:
AU GRADUATE PROFILE OF KILMENY PEDERSON
AGE: 46
LIVES IN: Elbow, SK
TRAVEL TIME TO ATHABASCA: 8 hours
PROGRAM COMPLETED: Bachelor of Arts
YEARS IT TOOK TO COMPLETE: 5 years
FAVORITE COURSE: Experimental Psychology
LEAST FAVORITE COURSE: None
FAVORITE TUTOR: Jo-Anne Tomie
HIGHEST FINAL GRADE: 93
LOWEST FINAL GRADE: 65
One of the first students I interviewed, Kilmeny is an upbeat energetic woman with an obvious love of learning. Along with her partner Mel, Kilmeny made the eight hour trek to AU to obtain the degree that has changed her life. She has always wanted a degree, but never really followed through. Another bonus of obtaining a degree, besides personal satisfaction for Kilmeny, was that her studying inspired her children to be better students. Kilmeny’s son is doing well in college and looks forward to learning even more.
Now that the ink on her degree is dry, Kilmeny plans to continue working with ESL students and learning disabled children, maybe do some counselling, and maybe, just maybe, obtain a graduate degree. Kilmeny encourages other students to organize their time, work hard, keep in contact with your tutors and ask LOTS of questions for success at AU.
Congratulations Kilmeny Pederson, BA
AU GRADUATE PROFILE OF MURRAY KOWALZIK
AGE: 46
LIVES IN: AB
TRAVEL TIME TO ATHABASCA: 8 hours
PROGRAM COMPLETED: Bachelor of General Studies – Arts & Sciences
YEARS IT TOOK TO COMPLETE: Many!
FAVORITE COURSE: Abnormal Psychology & Medical Antrhopology
LEAST FAVORITE COURSE: None
Along with his wife Hazel, Murray traveled 8 hours from southern Alberta to receive his Bachelor of General Studies from AU. Murray says that when his children entered university, and he was studying at AU, he developed a collegial rapport with them.
While working full-time, Murray realized how important it was to set up a routine for studying and encourages other students to do the same. Obtaining a degree has been the accomplishment of a personal goal, and he now plans to pursue a Masters degree through AU. Murray and his wife were very impressed with the way Athabasca University organized the convocation and they encourage other students to not miss the opportunity to participate in convocation ceremonies when their turn arises.
Congratulations Murray Kowalzik, BGS
AU GRADUATE PROFILE OF SHAUNA WATT-PORSCHID
AGE: 36
LIVES IN: Dauphin, Manitoba
TRAVEL TIME TO ATHABASCA: 14 hours (1 WAY!!)
PROGRAM COMPLETED: Bachelor of Nursing
YEARS IT TOOK TO COMPLETE: 4.5 years
FAVORITE COURSE: Nursing Trends
LEAST FAVORITE COURSE: Stats or English
HIGHEST FINAL GRADE: 92
LOWEST FINAL GRADE: 67 (English)
Shauna was one of the few students I meet from Manitoba, and unfortunately there will be no photo to accompany this profile, as she was my very last interview of the day and I had no film left. With three children at home, and while working full time, Shauna achieved her goal of obtaining this degree. She now would like to take her Master’s, keep working, and spend more time with her family. She encourages other AU students to be patient (all good things must end, right?) and stated that convocation was such a wonderful experience for her.
Congratulations Shauna Watt-Porschid, BN.
Look for more profiles in upcoming Voice issues. If you are an AU grad and you were not interviewed on convocation day, contact voice@ausu.org to be a part of AU profiles.
As always, we are seeking undergrads, tutors and staff for profiles as well.