Spontaneity is fun but far from practical, as we soon found out. Although there seemed to be plenty of hotels, we could not find a room available for the night. We had no choice but to stay at the town’s posh mountain lodge, which was over our budget, but we reluctantly took it, hoping to find a more affordable room for the duration. We unloaded our bags into our disappointingly tiny room, and set out to revisit the one hotel that had advertised vacancy for the next few nights. Once we got there, the attendant apologized saying that the last rooms had just recently been booked… then the phone rang. The lady exchanged a few words on the phone and returned to us to say, “There must be something in the air. I just received a call from Mr.Doneson who has vacancy at the Dark Spruce Bed & Breakfast”. With relief, we eagerly sought out this B & B which was supposedly just a few minutes away.

For some odd reason, the place was more difficult to find then we expected and we drove around in circlesfor some time. By the time we arrived at the old, two-story house, dusk had fallen to dark. The house almost looked like a façade, as it seemed so out of place, nearly unreal. It was completely unlit. A brooding brick church towered out of the shadows to its right and a row of newer houses trailed to the left. The front porch was big enough to be a room in itself, (which I suspected it was at one time) and it wrapped widely around the side of the house leading to a second door.

The wood moaned and creaked loudly as we walked up the front steps. We approached an original looking large wooden door with an inset window. Before I could knock a second time, the door opened. Behind it stood a small, thin-framed, white-haired man. Although he came across as mild tempered, this man cracked no smile and harboured a cold, hollow stare; his eyes were unblinking and his gaze unflinching. There were no lights on, except for in the entrance where we were standing. He carefully introduced himself as “Hob” and stated the price of the room and its availability. I had a sudden flashback of Norman Bates and his seemingly normal motel. With no other options in town, we gave him payment for the next two days, without signing anything. We arranged a time to meet him the next day, very politely thanking him on the way out. All was settled, so we returned to our lodge to have a meal and sleep.

It was as if bad energy had followed us, because things took a turn early the next morning when I woke up with an intense head cold. Although we were planning to go snowboarding, my sore chest and bad cough forced me to opt out. I encouraged Devon to continue on with our plans, so he caught the early shuttle up to meet our friends at the hill later that day. After packing up and having a quick brunch, I went back to the B & B as previously arranged. As if he had been obsessively pacing in front of the front window, awaiting my arrival, Hob opened the door as I was walking up the front steps.

I was given a key and a brief tour of the main floor. The place had the smell of old maple and smoked bacon, which seemed to exude a cozy ambiance. The main floor featured twelve foot high ceilings, original dark hardwood floors and dark wood paneling halfway up the walls. A large dining area separated the impressively large kitchen from the open sitting area. Hob explained that the house was a heritage home, over one hundred years old, originally built for a very large man. Hob’s thin frame seemed dwarf-like in comparison to the great space created by the structure of the building. The interior was quaintly decorated with all sorts of antiques, tall book shelves, polished cabinets, and classic couches. Although Hob revealed that he and his wife occupied the entire basement, there was no sign of her. Several doors on this floor remained closed, with no explanation. Hob claimed that all guests were welcome to use the sitting area as they wished. He then escorted me back to the entrance and up a long staircase, with the steepest and widest steps I have ever seen. The stairs were covered in a blood-red, shaggy carpet, that impulsively brought, “The Shining” to mind. Every stair cried out a different sound as if to reveal some long forgotten secret.

“One would have to float to get around here unnoticed,” I thought to myself. I already felt compelled to tip toe around, fearful of disrupting the peace. There were two rooms upstairs, one of which was ours, along with a cramped sitting room in one corner, and a bathroom in the other. Our room had a twin size bed, a television, an antique chair, a small walk-in closet, and a window. Instead of the breathtaking view of the mountains, I was sorry to see that the only window faced the brick wall of the neighboring church. Finally, Before Hob left I asked if there was somewhere I could heat up my leftovers from the night before.

“None of our guests are allowed to use our kitchen.” He curtly replied, spinning around and vanishing before I could say another word. While I thought this was a little odd, I let it go and ate my lunch cold!

I finally had some time to relax, but first I went to take a shower. I decided it was safe enough to leave my bedroom door unlocked while in the washroom. When I got out of the shower I heard creaking floor outside the bathroom door followed by footsteps that quickly faded away. I returned to our room and found that my door was open a crack and the closet door stood wide open. I had a sick feeling that someone had been in there, but who?

As I killed time reading and writing I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched by some ominous presence. I began to feel slightly uncomfortable, like I needed to be as quiet as possible. It didn’t matter where I was in the house, I couldn’t shake this unnerving sensation. Was it an evil spirit haunting me? Or did I pick up on some mysterious vibe that Hob was giving off? I couldn’t stay in this house any longer, so I got ready to visit the town.

I was starting to wonder if she really existed, but as I was heading out, I finally met Hob’s wife. Hob introduced her as Helsie. She was nearly the opposite from Hob with her round figure, olive skin, and long black hair. Her shifty eyes made me nervous. She seemed displeased by my presence and said “hello” in a very guarded manner. Hob said that we were welcome to park in the back, and that the back door was always unlocked until 6pm. This sounded more like a curfew to me, and added to the sense of being unwelcome I was beginning to develop.

I left for town but promptly returned because I had forgotten my wallet. I parked the car in the back, so that I could quickly run up to our room, but when I went to try the door it was locked. I thought this was strange. It was even stranger that nobody had shoveled the walks leading from the back to the front. I wasn’t about to walk through four feet of snow so I made the long trek around the tall brick church to the front of the house. I had barely put the key in the lock when the knob turned and there was hob in all his creeping glory. “He must have seen me park in the back,” I thought to myself, but he offered no explanation or apology. Why didn’t he open the door for me? What was with these people? I had to get out of there until Devon returned from the mountain.

Later that night Devon and I met our friends and went for supper. I related the experiences I had in the house but everyone laughed, saying I was paranoid, so I quickly dropped the subject. That night we came home at ten o clock, after our “hosts” had gone to sleep, so we were able to slip in unnoticed. Or so we thought.

The next morning I was up quite early unable to return to sleep. I had my morning shower and was getting dressed when there was an abrupt knock on our bedroom door. It was Hob, letting us know breakfast would be served in half an hour. Devon was exhausted from his snowboarding the day before so decided to skip breakfast. I continued with my morning routine and was almost ready when another knock came. When I opened the door there was nobody there. Chills made all hairs stand up but I shook them off and took another ten minutes to finish getting ready. As I opened the door, my heart skipped! I came face to face with Hob, fist raised, about to knock again. I pleasantly thanked him, but checked my watch. Was I really that late? No, there were still seven minutes until breakfast was due to be served. It was as if he was trying to undermine my privacy and responsible nature, and I was beginning to feel like we were staying with extremely strict parents–the kind of parents that hover and feel they have the right to nose around into business that isn’t necessarily their concern.

As I came downstairs, the smell of old maple and smoked bacon overwhelmed my senses. An older couple was already seated at the table. They had arrived the night before, and were staying in the room right next to ours. The couple was cheerful and talkative but ate very quickly, as they were catching the early shuttle up to the mountain. As I gratefully took a sip of revitalizing coffee, I inquired about the history of the house and the past owners. To my unease a grave silence followed. No one responded, instead Hob immediately changed the subject, directing his conversation toward the other couple. After the couple finished eating and left for the day, Hob began to clear off the table. I remained seated along with Helsie, who anxiously engaged me in conversation. In hindsight, it was almost as if I had been fed some truth serum. I found myself compulsively spilling my life story without reservation. To this day, I honestly don’t know what came over me, but I was feeling so comfortable. Before I knew it two hours had passed with her and I still sitting there. I felt that she had really warmed up to me and that we had connected on some level. With this new found connection forged, I thought that she should now appreciate my honesty and respectful personality.

Before I left the dining room Helsie had one more thing to say: “I thought I’d let you know… later last night, after you and Devon were in bed, we could hear you from the basement,” cautiously adding, “we can hear everything from the basement through the heat registers that run through the entire house.”

I was speechless! It was as if the core of my intimacy had been exposed to satisfy some twisted voyeuristic intent, without my knowledge. I felt sick to my stomach. The freshly-baked blueberry muffin I had so innocently enjoyed not so long ago was now a hard rock inside me; the coffee turned bitter. I quickly left the room to return to the security of the room where Devon slept.

That night was the long-awaited New Year’s Eve celebration. We were going out for a dinner and then entertainment by a live local funk band. We asked our “hosts” if it would be all right if our two friends came over to the house for an hour, while Devon and I got ready. Hob said that was fine. When our friends arrived, Hob told us we could all sit in our room. Once we were ready we had some time to kill, so we sat quietly talking and laughing. All of a sudden Hob flung open the door, without knocking. In a stern voice he claimed we were disturbing our neighbors and asked that we move down stairs to the main sitting area. We didn’t see a problem with this, so we brought our crib board downstairs.

No sooner had we set up our game, when Hob entered the room and propped himself in the far corner chair. It was as if we were being chaperoned. We tried to engage him in conversation, but Hob remained quiet for the most part, casting evil glares. Although my back had been turned toward him, his overbearing presence was starting to make me feel slightly queasy. One of our friends politely asked if there was a bathroom on this level. Hob jumped out of his seat and snapped back before she even finished her question, “No nonpaying guests are allowed to use our washrooms!”. Stunned by this unexpected outbreak, we sat in a moment of silence. This was the final straw to make us feel unwelcome. We abruptly ended our game and put our coats on to go. As if nothing was wrong with how they were acting, our “hosts” saw us to the door. I wished them a happy new year and looked at Helsie, but she shifted her eyes to the floor and said nothing.

After leaving, our friends apologized for doubting me before. We could not help but analyze the situation, coming to agree that there was something seriously wrong with these people and their bed and breakfast. Devon and I decided then that we would be leaving there first thing tomorrow.

As soon as the day dawned, Devon and I were up and packing to leave. We did not want to see our “hosts”, and could not bear another moment in this creepy place. As I brought the first load down, there was Hob calmly standing at the bottom of the stairs. “Oh! Are you and Devon going up to the hill today? He inquired.

“No, we are leaving.” I informed him. A fleeting look of irritation passed but was quickly masked by his vacant stare.

“Well, you’ll have to pay for tonight’s stay, as I had to turn down many customers because of you” He stated coldly, as he took an intimidating step toward me. I had nothing to say and I was certain this comment was completely untrue. Once the car was packed, we simply got in and never looked back.

It was a wonderful relief to be home after a long few days of what was supposed to be a relaxing break. The first night back, however, Devon awoke every hour for no apparent reason. The next night, it was my turn. I awoke startled out of a deep sleep, shivering in fear. There were no bad dreams trailing my thoughts, but something had aroused me. I sank down into the softness of my bed and cuddled close to Devon, but the fear only grew. Something was in my room. I was too terrified to move until the first crack of dawn peeked through the curtains. I got out of bed, with a mixture of relief and trepidation. With the lights switched on, I could shake off the darkness and any imagined disturbances as nothing more than nameless night terrors. As I made my slow descent down the stairs, however, I was consumed by the now all too familiar smell. The potent smell of old maple and smoked bacon…

* All names of persons and places have been changed to protect real identities and to deflect unwanted entities.

If you are one who is open minded and piqued by unusual and eclectic world music that may teeter between folk and tradition, this place is for you. If you are socially and politically aware and/or concerned — which is not limited to “tree huggers” and “granolas” — you’ve got to take a listen to some of the outspoken artists who have come through every year. If you rock and roll to the gospel and soul, you shall dig on what is most usually in store. You like jazz? You just might find it here! What about a bunch of world class international musicians having a live (needless to say, spontaneous) jam session, giving birth to new music right there for YOU the people? Could you ask for anything more?

A wide spectrum of musical genres is consistently offered at this festival. Every year you can be certain that you’ll discover a rare and fantastic artist, or several, and enjoy a needed break from the typical mainstream crap that is being passed off as music these days. A creatively charged weekend such as this one has stayed alive because of “the people” and, of course, the musicians. But there is another essential element to this mixture: the volunteers.

Three years ago, I was happy to accept a position as a volunteer, which has brought me a new experience of the festival. The volunteers are the heart and nerves of this event and the team effort, coupled with tireless energy, is inspiring. It takes several weeks to prepare the grounds, starting with a fence to secure the area, and then such things as sewage systems, electrical wiring, and mapping the site for construction. There are seven smaller stages, the main stage, media/first aid tents, and crafts tents to be erected. Anticipation builds as a new tent pops up everyday and the hill gradually transforms into a whole new world. Once almost everything is in place, the concessionaires bring in their treat-mobiles and set up shop, along with the beer gardens, the outhouses, and other important facilities. After many hours of tweaking, final adjustments are made and a sound check is in order. Everything is connected and it works!

This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Edmonton Folk Festival’s inception. A big crowd was expected, but not dreaded. Some of the other major music festivals that occur in Alberta during the summer have gained bad reps because of the type of crowds they attract. It seems that for some of these events there are people whose musical experience includes getting wasted and creating havoc; therefore theft and violence is becoming more common. A music festival where you have to watch out for your neighbor and your possessions can undoubtedly diminish the whole point of the event. This is far from what the Edmonton Folk Festival is. Through the years, the loyal folkies have proven to be respectful of their neighbors. There’s no need to bring up the elbows here because no one is in a hurry, and it is understood that there will be no pushing or shoving if a person wants to get in and stay in.

It’s 4:25pm on Thursday, the opening evening headlining with Jaojoby at 6pm. As is new policy, ticket holders will enter in groups of 25, at one minute intervals. The first group is escorted and led down the hill by a bagpipe player. In previous years, once the gates were opened everyone was let in for a wild, free-for-all scramble for the best piece of grass (I’m talking about the hill here people!). Although this was the extent of any sort of mayhem, it wasn’t the safest way to get everyone seated. This year’s goal; walk, don’t run. This became the pace for the weekend. What a thrilling moment it always is — watching from the bottom as the hill goes from green to pure human in about fifteen minutes.

Jaojoby, a group of approximately eight from Madagascar, was impressively jubilant with a really upbeat mix of drums, great percussive rhythms, and voices that accomplished exactly what was intended; to get the people to dance! The urge was unbeatable. One thing that gives me such reverie, is to see people so moved by music that they groove with no reservations. At the folk festival you will always see young and old in rare form; free and dancing like most only do in the privacy of their living rooms. This is a place where people from all walks of life have come to ground level with no other agendas for the weekend but to live and let live. And it’s a family affair!

The Dixie Hummingbirds followed Jaojoby, with a sweet and rich blend of harmonies that felt divinely inspired. This group recently marked their 75th anniversary, so you can imagine how much soul was coming through in their voices, and how tight their sound was. Then, Hawksley Workman projected a clear and beautiful sound, which I never realized he had. His true talent was revealed, as it usually is, in his live performance. This night was an awesome way to break into the weekend!

My favourite artists were on Sunday night. The group Lhasa, although not everyone’s delight, captivated this audience. The group features a beautiful singer named Lhasa de Sela, who is intense and intriguing. Singing songs in English, French and Spanish, the combination of instruments brings elements of gypsy and circus music to mind. This haunting and unusual sound is more than likely a reflection of her own life, as she traveled through Mexico, the United States, and Canada, and even joined a circus with her three sisters. To some she might seem strange, but to the dedicated and impartial crowd of the Folk fest, she seemed to feel right at home.

To (almost) wrap up my feel good weekend, the ever vibrant Ani Difranco rocked the mike. This was the second time I had seen her live and I certainly hope it’s not the last. Like Difranco, who has brought her charm to the festival more than once, many of the acts coming through are regularly invited back and gladly return. That speaks volumes for the success of this great festival from the organizers to the dedicated attendees.

The best part of my weekend as a volunteer was attending the volunteer parties, which makes all the work put in before, during, and after the festival more than worthwhile. Also, these parties combine three of my big loves; dancing, music, and people (you thought I was going to say beer didn’t you?). There are always bands from the festival that play inside the ballroom, which are usually the lively, highly danceable groups. This year Spirit of the West had the house shaking on Sunday at the wrap up party. Then there are the quiet rooms upstairs, which are often crowded and littered with festival musicians who happily jam with whoever is up to it. It’s fantastically refreshing to see all free to be themselves, as well-known and even famous musicians jam with the local Edmonton talent.

So here I am, several weeks later, still thinking about that great weekend and how I can get my fill next year. I hear there are folk festivals equally as fantastic in Vancouver, Canmore, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, and Montreal, to name a few. Since the musical lineups are different for each festival, one could attend all of them and not have it feel repetitive. I’ve been told there is a similar vibe or ambience among the Folk festivals across Canada, so it’s possible to be a part of this magical time more than once a year.

A home away and near to home. A brief pause from the hustle and bustle of 9 to 5. A place where you can trust that what you give you will get back in even better shape. A time to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and discover new music. The perfect opportunity to get all folked up!

Welcome to part two of The Voice 2004 convocation coverage. Last week we featured short interviews with ten of AU’s newest grads. This week’s coverage includes a convocation photo album, and many other convocation themed articles throughout this issue. We hope you enjoy this extra-large, two-week edition of The Voice. Look for a new issue on July 5, 2004.

For a nicer layout and larger photos, please see the pdf version of this issue: http://www.ausu.org/voice/pdf/pdflist.php

This was not your normal run-of-the-mill graduation event, and to me it is reflective of how unique this university really is. With a convocation ceremony this well organized and down to earth, I could imagine how AU students might enjoy graduating more than once.

…

The morning started out calm and cool… this was nine o clock in Athabasca. Weather conditions were perfect, and promising considering how on a warm day, the tents naturally get much warmer.

Tents were set out amongst the trees to host a grand brunch, “A taste of Athabasca.” The food was excellent, to say the least, and was worth the trip on its own.

The menu was an assortment that would surely satisfy every taste bud.
My plate only had room for smoked salmon quiche, moroccan potatoes, cabbage rolls, ceasar salad, oriental salad, a vegetarian wrap, and fruit salad: yet there were plenty more treats to choose from!

To set a relaxed ambience, the soothing sounds of the harp and acoustic guitar were played by Terry McDade, as everyone lined up and eagerly gave full rein to their bellies. This was a good time to meet and greet one another as excitement was at its youngest.

Graduands, family, and friends leisurely toured the University grounds, intermittently posing for a picture or mini documentary (see last week’s Voice for profiles of several of the graduates). The glistening green landscape decorated with beautiful flower pots and massive hanging baskets set around the prominent University building, formed the perfect backdrop.

It was before 11am with a little more than an hour to go. AU Students’ Union (AUSU) sponsored a brunch, exclusive to graduands, held inside the building. This meal featured a light and fresh assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits, other goodies, and an oversized bowl of delicious fruit punch!

Inside the graduate area, a large projector screen was hung along the far wall so that staff and others could watch live footage coming from inside the tent that would host the main event.

It was an elegantly casual affair as all enthusiastically partook.

Everyone seemed content as they ate, and mingled through the hours leading up to the day’s big moments.

All lounging areas, rooms, and hallways were buzzing, for this was a special opportunity for all students to find something in common; to exchange stories of the challenges and experiences while earning a degree. Plus, for many, it was thrilling to finally visit their University campus, and to possibly meet their tutors.

From 11 o clock on, the graduands filtered into the wardrobe rooms to dress in their gowns. Shortly, all were organized down one long hallway, in order of program, to receive instructions on how the ceremony would proceed.

By 11:45 it was the ten minute call, and the first graduands filled the door leading outside to the red carpet.

Leif Anderson initiated the procession, by sounding the bagpipes. Gilbert Perras, AU Registrar, followed carrying the symbolic mace, and then all of the graduands. After the graduands were members of the Governing Council, AU Academics, and the platform party, which includes AU executives and program representatives.

Once the grads, members of AU, and guests were on the stage in their seats, the audience was asked to remain standing for our National Anthem, which was sung by Elaine Magusin.

AU president Dr. Dominique Abrioux opened with the official greetings. A special presentation was made to install David J.Burnett as the new chair of the AU Governing council. This included a ceremonial dressing of David in the traditional robes, which was done by Gilbert Perras. Once in proper attire, Mr.Burnett gave an installation address in acceptance of the role. This was followed by the President’s remarks. And then the moment everyone was anticipating: the conferring of degrees, which involves a series of formal addresses.

These addresses began with the petition, presented by Dr.Judith Hughes, AU VP Academic, who asked the candidates to rise and address the Chairman and President on their behalf. The Chair then replied by declaring the petition granted and so the President presented the pledge, addressed to the graduands. Once the graduands responded “I do so promise”, the chair spoke to them as part of the admission. With that, the first group of undergrads lined up on stage left.

As each students’ name was called, they walked toward centre stage where they would kneel to receive their hoods. Dr. Judith Hughes, VP Academic, introduced each grad and read a brief bio, during which the grad would remain kneeling. The new graduate accepted his or her parchment from the President, then shook hands with the new Governing council chair and the representative for their program.

As the students walked off to stage right, they received a classy engraved metal clock as a gift from the student’s union, presented by AUSU office staff, Executive Director Mark Jones and veteran Administrative Assistant Christine Lynch.

No other University, that I know of, takes such time and care, not only to present each student, but to also offer the audience an inside glance at the students’ perspective. Each student was treated equally, with respect and kindness.

The degrees were presented in this order:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of General Studies (Applied Studies)
Bachelor of General Studies (Arts and Sciences)
Bachelor of Administration
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Systems
Bachelor of Professional Arts
Bachelor of Management
Bachelor of Health Administration

Awards began with the prestigious “”Governor General’s Silver Medal,” which was presented to Jeri Lou Grieco, a Bachelor of Nursing Graduate of Calgary, Alberta. Jeri gave a superbly articulate address to the graduates and members of the audience.

An Honorary degree of Doctor of Athabasca University was presented by Dr.Terry Anderson and awarded to Dr.Tony Bates, “in recognition of his outstanding scholarly contribution to open and distance education.”. This was followed by Dr.Tony Bates’ address, which is provided on the University’s website.

In closing, Chair David Burnett asked the audience to rise and remain in their places until “the platform party, Governing Council members, academics, and the graduates have recessed.” As the platform party, Academics, and Governing council exited the tent, they all parted like the red sea, lining the edges of the red carpet to honor the new graduates’ passage into their new world. This was a defining moment of acknowledgement and acceptance into the academic community.

Having the procession proceed back down the path of the red carpet from which they began, felt representative of the students’ coming full circle, symbolically, in time, life, and education. It was now complete.

Excitement was renewed as the graduates faced a paparazzi of happy family and friends.

As if she knew, mother nature’s perfect timing brought the heavy rains of change. This downpour lasted only a short while and then the sun showed through the clouds to brighten the rest of the afternoon.

I was easily swept up in the energy, the love and openness that was being shared by all. It was then that I caught up with several of the graduates to get their final thoughts on all that had culminated to that day (see last week’s issue). Hearing the experiences through their words, brought a sense of reality to this very unique occasion.

Photo of Carla by Paul Nedza

AU’s newest grads flocked to Athabasca this past weekend to collect their parchments and visit their alma mater.

For many, it was the first time they had laid eyes on AU’s main campus, which is visited by only a small number of students each year, primarily science students attending summer labs.

This year’s graduates were treated to a catered meal, courtesy of AUSU, and each grad was gifted with an engraved nickel desk clock, also courtesy AUSU, to remind them of their accomplishment for years to come.

Voice reporter Carla Benavides caught up with the several grads for photos and a brief bio. Read on and get to know just a few of the many students who have earned an AU undergraduate degree this year.

Andre Derias
Bachelor of Arts

Andre Derias came from British Columbia for his Bachelor of Arts degree.

Andre and his family live in a rural community, which is why he chose AU, to keep up his family life without having to relocate. He had an amazing two and a half years with AU and was very happy to attend convocation.

Throughout his studies, Andre found the tutors to be helpful and available when he needed to contact them, and he is grateful for the kind staff that he interacted with.

His favourite course was Native Studies, and the most valuable aspect of his distance education experience is that if he wanted to, he “could do it again”; essentially, life-long learning is open ended.

His advice to students is to keep on top of homework and assignments, and to talk to your tutors. Andre recommends AU as an option for post secondary learning and says that future students should experience AU convocation in person.

Congratulations Andre!

Tina Schwenning
Bachelor of Professional Arts

Tina Schwenning is from Calgary, Alberta, and graduated this year with a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree with a major in Criminal Justice.

While her three years of distance education were a good experience, the highlight for her was finishing her last exam.

Tina has learned that you can not procrastinate while studying through distance education, and that when your life outside of University is busy, you must take full advantage of any free time.

Her advice to AU students is “don’t cram!”

Tina also appreciated how well organized the convocation was and was clearly happy on this very important day.

Awesome job Tina, and most success in the future!

Shannen Hoffman
Bachelor of Nursing

Shannen Hoffman is also from Calgary and is happy to have graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing.

Like so many of AU students, Shannon chose the university for the flexible time schedule it offered, and had an excellent two and a half years. She particularly enjoyed her time spent on the Calgary campus.

As well, she found her tutors to be personable and supportive. She would advise, though, that students always contact their tutors before sending in assignments. If she could do it over, she would prefer to not work full time.

Shannon actively volunteers for several organizations in her community, as well as working full time while raising three children. Even so, Shannon earned her degree and in a very small amount of time, although it cost her sleepless days sometimes weeks while finishing assignments.

Through her dedicated study and volunteer work she has found that anyone has the opportunity to continue life-long learning and still have a life. She also learned that through perseverance and a little time you can make your dreams come true.

Shannon loves The Voice and receives updates by email. She’d like to see more pictures on the website, of AUSU council and staff. She would also enjoy reading more student success stories.

You are admirable Shannon, congratulations!

Terryl Wamsteeker
Bachelor of Commerce

Terryl Wamsteeker is another resident of Calgary and has graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Terryl loved the AU experience but her best memory was finishing her last course.

Perseverance paid off for this new grad. She enrolled two weeks before her daughter was born and continued with AU so that she was able to stay at home. Thirteen years later, she has earned her degree and shares the moment with her beaming teenage daughter and proud husband.

She wouldn’t do anything differently except finish the degree in six years, if she could do it all over.

The most valuable lesson she’s learned is to have discipline in your studies. She advises against leaving any assignments to the last minute as “procrastination is the root of all evil.”

Terryl has highly recommended AU to friends and has convinced many of them to enrol. She was touched by the bios that were read as each graduating student was called up to accept their parchment, and felt that it was a nice addition to a beautiful convocation.

Three cheers Terryl, and success in all your future endeavours!

Yuan Hu
Bachelor of Administration

Yuan Hu flew in from Vancouver, BC, to receive his Bachelor of Administration, which he finished in three years.

Distance learning was a new experience for Yuan and he found it difficult not to be face to face with students and tutors.

He would like to see more opportunities for classroom settings and/or for students and tutors to connect.

His studies combined online AU courses with courses transferred from another University.

His best experience was earning his degree.

He also enjoyed the flexibility that comes with distance education and feels time management was his most valuable tool gained.

Congratulations Yuan on your perseverance and success!

Harpreet Lall
Bachelor of General Studies

Harpreet Lall travelled up from Calgary, Alberta to receive her Bachelor of General Studies.

She found the format of distance education to be tough at times, but admits it was a good challenge.

What she appreciates about this style of learning is being able to stay at home while studying.

She feels that this University is one of diversity, offering many options to students.

Harpreet loves the natural setting that is Athabasca country, and would have lived here during the three years of her studies, if she could do it all over.

Harpreet has learned that if you are committed, hard working, and never lose faith, you will always reach your goal.

Hyacinth Leong
Bachelor of Arts – Psychology

Hyacinth Leong is another new graduate from Calgary, Alberta.

It took her just four years to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology.

As a collaborative AU student in a Mount Royal College program, Hyacinth was able to transfer credits to earn her degree with Athabasca University.

She feels that earning a degree this way was, overall, a good experience.

Hyacinth was very impressed by the convocation ceremonies and felt the whole day was a success.

Congratulations Hyacinth!

Eleanor Kubinec
Bachelor of Nursing

Eleanor Kubinec travelled to Athabasca from Trochu, Alberta.

Having a young family to care for, Eleanor chose AU for the flexible hours it offered, and through the years was impressed by the excellent staff.

Her most memorable student experience was receiving her first really good marks.

Eleanor found motivation in knowing that the day of graduation would arrive.

Today, she received her Bachelor of Nursing, and after nine years of hard work, Eleanor has realized that you can accomplish anything you set out to.

Congratulations on a job well done!

Mary-Colleen Ross
Bachelor of Administration

Mary-Colleen Ross lives in Sherwood Park, Alberta and graduated this year with a Bachelor of Administration.

She was thinking of writing for The Voice, however, it was difficult to make the time between studies and living in two different cities during the year.

She loved being an AU student, describing it as an overall wonderful experience, having absolutely no regrets.

Earning a degree through Distance learning has taught her not to procrastinate, as well, she advises new students to spend as much time as possible getting to know their tutors.

Mary-Colleen has attended many convocations at other Universities, and believes this was, by far, the best one she has ever attended.

Better yet, the most exciting part of her three years as an AU student, and being here today, is graduating.

All the best to you in the future Mary-Colleen!

Karla Thiessen
Bachelor of Nursing

Karla Thiessen travelled all the way from Altona, Manitoba to received her Bachelor of Nursing degree.

During the course of completing her program, Karla gave birth to and raised two children, while also fitting in time for work and study.

She says she wouldn’t have been able to continue her education had it not been for the flexibility of study time, open semesters, and the ability to stay at home while working on an AU degree.

Although it was difficult at times, she’s learned that determination, discipline, and lots of hard work will get you where you want to be.

If only she could have quit working while completing her degree!!

Karla has found many of her AU courses to be very useful to her career, and also feels a greater appreciation for her community through knowledge gained and applied.

After seven years of dedication, Karla is clearly thrilled about her accomplishment and so she should be. Congratulations Karla!