Extended Education’s 503 graduates represent 26 certificate programs

As part of the “sandwich generation” responsible for children and aging parents, many of the graduates of Extended Education’s certificate programs face unique challenges. Yet they have successfully juggled personal lives, work and study. As Lori Wallace, dean of Extended Education pointed out at their graduation ceremony on June 17, “You are highly motivated, willing to make sacrifices and have the maturity to persevere when the going gets tough.”

At the reception for graduates and guests after the Graduation ceremony.

Wallace also announced the new Faculty of Arts Bachelor of Arts Integrated Studies degree program, developed in collaboration with Extended Education. Some of Extended Education’s certificate programs will transfer into this degree.

Many of the 503 graduates representing 26 certificate programs attended with family and friends. The ceremony follows the university’s regular convocation where degree students studying through Extended Education, marked their graduation.

Guest speaker Shannon Fontaine, CEO of the Manitoba Tourism Education Council, congratulated the graduates, not only for finishing, but also for starting, their programs.

After the certificates were presented to the graduates, Julie Mikuska, executive director of the Alumni Association, welcomed them as new alumni. She reminded graduates that they’ve sent the powerful message that “it can be done. It’s never too late, and it can be fun.”

Instructor Service Recognition

Continuing Education instructors Roger Bouvier, Judy Cranwill and Sean MacDonald (L to R)recognized for their service to students.

The Instructor Service Recognition annually acknowledges instructors in continuing education for their outstanding service to students and their contribution to program design, development and delivery over eight years or longer. Instructors Roger Bouvier, Judy Cranwill and Sean MacDonald were presented with a framed parchment at the graduation. Not in attendance but also recognized were Ralph MacKay and Nettie Neudorf.

Award winners share their stories

Extended Education presented a number of awards before and during the graduation ceremony.

CMA Manitoba Award of Excellence (Certified Management Accountants)
Accountant Ken Foot had completed accounting courses in the past but as his position evolved into more of an assistant comptroller, he looked for professional development opportunities to update his skills. Foot works for American Biaxis Inc., a manufacturer of nylon film that goes into packaging for food and medical supplies. The Certificate in Financial and Management Accounting gave him a more rounded knowledge of accounting and opened his eyes to the way other companies handle accounting procedures. “My financial reporting and decision-making in the accounting management area improved,” he says. Foot adds that the program has also helped him define how his job has evolved and can evolve even more in the future.”

IPMA Award for Academic Achievement (International Personnel Management Association)

Although Carla Mulvenna already had a Commerce degree from the U of M, she saw the Certificate in Human Resource Management as an opportunity to gain useful knowledge and a credential that would advance her career. Being able to transfer credits from her degree was a bonus. As an HR consultant for the province of Manitoba, Manitoba Conservation, she’s responsible for recruitment, selection, labour relations issues and other HR functions. “The HR Legislation course was a good refresher for me and really relevant to what I deal with at work,” she says. Mulvenna completed all of her courses from home by taking distance courses, and “enjoyed the flexibility and convenience, especially when I didn’t have to rush from work to class in the winter.”

ASQ Award for Academic Achievement (American Society of Quality)
When Patrick Dirks joined the quality assurance department at Manitoba Public Insurance two years ago, his manager suggested he take the Quality Management Certificate program. As a claims controller, Dirks completes audits to determine if MPI service centres comply with procedures. The QM program, he says, forced him to view his organization holistically as a system. It was a challenge to juggle courses with work, family and coaching football and to forfeit holidays for studying; and remembering high school math took some effort! He completed the program by distance, which he says is “very convenient and I could do it at my own pace.” Dirks says he’s now considering another degree — perhaps in the area of public administration.

IPAC Public Sector Management Award (Institute of Public Administration in Canada)

Award winners Patrick Dirks and Gregory Kristalovich(L to R)

When Gregory Kristalovich completed the Certificate in Public Sector Management, he came away with a broader and more complete understanding of public policy. As a program manager with the MB4Youth Division of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors, he manages the youth services unit which administers student employment and volunteer programs. According to Kristalovich, learning the concepts, strategies and initiatives that guide public policy development has helped him make better informed decisions on public policies. “The connections I made with other professionals have been invaluable,” he says. “I improved my critical analysis skills and ability to examine issues from multiple perspectives.” He developed a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between governments and citizens, though he was “equally surprised and honoured” at receiving the IPAC Award.

The Dr. Ron Kristjanson Memorial Scholarship

Doris Kristjanson with Dr. Ron Kristjanson Scholarship recipients Catherine Lee and Kathryn Bartmanovich. ( L to R)

Established in 1992 to commemorate the life and work of Ronald Kristjanson, adult educator and professor in Extended Education, this year’s scholarship recipients were Kathryn Bartmanovich and Catherine Lee.

It was a big step for Kathryn Bartmanovich to change jobs after 22 years as a legal assistant. Currently, she’s the undergraduate programs assistant in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Manitoba. Her love of interacting with people drew her to the Human Resource Management (HRM) program. She was especially pleased that, along with her high GPA, volunteer work at her church and in the community was recognized for the scholarship’s community service component. “The instructors were amazing,” she says. “They challenged me and I learned so much.”

Bartmanovich says the HRM program has made her a better employee because “it allows you to look at your organization from different angles, not just from your own perspective.” She sees the HRM program as a stepping stone, perhaps towards a future degree.

A disability kept Catherine Lee out of the workforce for 15 years. She returned to work with a passion for making a difference in the lives of the disabled. At the Workers Compensation Board, she provides case management, training and life skills to injured workers who are trying to return to work. She enrolled in the Certificate in Rehabilitation Case Management program to fill gaps in her knowledge of case management. The program provided a global perspective on how organizations can approach case management differently and why. “It opened doors for me; I can apply for positions I wasn’t able to before.” Most importantly, she says, “I learned that case management is not just about assessing the file in front of you; it’s about doing the right thing for your client and the organization.”

Canadian Institute of Management

The CIM designation was awarded to 88 graduates of the Canadian Institute of Management Certificate Program in Management and Administration at a convocation and dinner and dance on Saturday, June 19. Extended education offers the program in cooperation with the Canadian Institute of Management, Winnipeg branch. The CIM Winnipeg branch’s Outstanding Academic Performance Award was presented to the top three graduates. The Gold Award went to Ryan Duke; Maxine Plesiuk was awarded Silver; and the Bronze Award was given to Gordon Zetchel.