Brandon University celebrated the achievements, resilience, and promise of its newest graduates this week as 530 students received their degrees during four Convocation ceremonies held over two days at the Healthy Living Centre.
Family, friends, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered on Thursday and Friday to honour the Brandon University Class of 2026, recognizing graduates from the Faculties of Arts, Education, Health Studies, and Science, as well as the School of Music. The ceremonies also marked several historic moments for the university community, including the formal installation of Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen as Brandon University’s 16th President and Vice-Chancellor, the presentation of an honorary degree to Métis Elder and Michif language keeper Verna DeMontigny, and the final Convocation ceremony presided over by Chancellor Dr. Mary Jane McCallum.
Despite record-setting temperatures outside, graduates, guests, and university officials filled the Healthy Living Centre for a celebration defined by pride, accomplishment, and optimism for the future.
“Every graduate here today has faced obstacles along the way,” President Bovis-Cnossen told graduates. “Yet you continued forward, step by step, and that persistence is worthy of recognition and pride.”
In her installation and Convocation addresses, Bovis-Cnossen reflected on the unique strengths of Brandon University and the role graduates will play in shaping communities around the world.
“There are many universities bigger than Brandon University, but there are none better,” she said. “We are a community where faculty know your names, where staff truly care about your success, where people lend a hand when you struggle, and cheer when you thrive. That kind of community changes people. It makes all of us better. It lifts all of us up. And that kind of community can also change a place. With their passion, their dedication, and their idealism, our students have changed BU for the better. Now, our graduates go out to change the world and make it better, too.”
Throughout the ceremonies, student valedictorians reflected on the challenges, friendships, and growth that defined their time at BU.
Faculty of Education valedictorian Cydney Bjerke encouraged fellow graduates to carry forward the values that brought them to Convocation.
“As we step into classrooms and communities, I hope we carry forward the values that brought us here: compassion, curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive difference,” she said. “The work we are entering is important, and although it will not always be easy, it will always matter.”
Faculty of Health Studies valedictorian Morgan Burr praised her classmates’ perseverance and dedication.
“With this honour comes great responsibility — to represent each and every graduating nurse whose compassion, resilience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to others have defined not only how we got here, but who we’ve become,” she said.
The university also recognized the remarkable contributions of Verna DeMontigny, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for her lifelong work preserving and revitalizing the Michif language. A respected Elder, educator, mentor, and community leader, DeMontigny has spent decades ensuring that Métis language, culture, and knowledge continue to flourish for future generations.
Convocation 2026 also served as a moment of transition and reflection. Chancellor Mary Jane McCallum presided over her final Convocation after a distinguished term that began during the pandemic and helped guide the university through a period of significant change.
As graduates received their degrees and joined the ranks of more than 40,000 Brandon University alumni worldwide, speakers repeatedly emphasized the importance of community — a value that has long defined Brandon University.
Some graduates will pursue careers and opportunities around the globe. Others will remain close to home, strengthening schools, hospitals, businesses, farms, arts organizations, and communities across Brandon, western Manitoba, and beyond. Together, they represent the next generation of leaders, innovators, educators, health-care professionals, artists, researchers, and citizens.
The Convocation livestream will be available to re-watching at WCGtv shortly, and will be permanently archived at BrandonU.ca/Convocation in the fall.
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Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.