Class of 2025: Continuing education graduates prove it’s never too late to start something new

A sense of celebration, pride and possibility filled the air at the University of Calgary on June 11, as more than 1,000 graduates were honoured at the 2025 Continuing Education graduation ceremony, a milestone event that also marked the unit’s 60th anniversary.

Family members, instructors and university leaders gathered to recognize a diverse group of students who embraced lifelong learning to advance their careers, shift paths and build new futures, often while balancing full-time work, caregiving and community commitments.

“Graduates, we are so proud of you,” said Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Sandra Davidson PhD, during her remarks. “You committed your time and energy to learn, to grow, and to take on new challenges, and you’ve done it.”

Stories of exceptional student achievement featured alongside remarks from Elder Clarence Wolfleg, Chancellor Jon Cornish, Associate Vice-President (Research – EDI) Dr. Malinda Smith Phd, and a video message from Associate Vice-President (Continuing Education) Dr. Sheila LeBlanc Phd.

Celebrating 60 years of Continuing Education

This year’s graduation ceremony carried extra significance as it marked the 60th anniversary for University of Calgary Continuing Education.

What began as a small division in 1965 has evolved into a dynamic and innovative hub for adult learning. In 1977, the division became the Faculty of Continuing Education, taking on expanded responsibilities in distance education and adult learning research. By 1999, the unit became a leader in online education, offering virtual courses long before this method became common. Today, as an academic unit, Continuing Education remains a leader in flexible, responsive and future-focused learning.

Transforming careers through courage

Among the stories shared at the event was that of Nygel Ryan, who spent a decade working as a journeyman electrician before deciding to pursue something more.

Encouraged by his employer, Ryan enrolled in the Project Management Foundations Certificate program. Balancing coursework with fatherhood and full-time work, he completed the program and transitioned into a role as a facilities manager, now overseeing multimillion-dollar projects.

“To get to the next step, you’ve got to take the first step,” says Ryan, words that reflect the courage and determination that marked this year’s graduating class.

Finding community and purpose

The journey of Preet Kalsi also stood out as testament to personal transformation through learning.

After a successful career in fashion and entrepreneurship, Kalsi moved to Calgary looking for a new beginning. She enrolled in the International Professional Program in Project Management, and later joined the Digital Media and Marketing program, hoping to upskill and learn more about Canadian work culture.

“What started as a solo journey became a shared experience,” says Kalsi, reflecting on the community she found and the confidence she gained. Her next goal is to contribute to creative city-building and meaningful change in Calgary. “I am eager to apply the valuable learnings from my courses,” she says.

Kalsi is driven by a vision to bring impactful, creative solutions to city development projects‚ transforming underutilized spaces into meaningful, immersive experiences. She wants to give back to the city that welcomed and embraced her with open arms. With a deep desire to contribute, she’s eager to blend her rich experience in the creative, cultural and design industries with the invaluable knowledge she’s gained through her Continuing Education journey. 

More than a milestone

As the event concluded, graduates were encouraged to view the ceremony not as an end, but as a new beginning.

“Whether you advance your career or start a new one, I have every confidence you will succeed,” said Davidson. “One thing I hope you’ll always remember from your time here is that it’s never too late to start something.”

With that, the Continuing Education Class of 2025 joined more than six decades of graduates (more than 22,000 people) who are shaping their communities with knowledge, compassion and drive, a legacy that continues to grow stronger with every graduating class.