Athabasca University

06/03/2026

Brittany Encina (Master of Business Administration ’25)
📍Edmonton, Alta.

“Why wouldn’t we make life what we want?”

For Class of 2026 grad Brittany Encina, enrolling at AU in 2018 was initially about her advancing her career. But it became about much more—it became about the kind of future she and her husband wanted for their family.

Through AU’s flexible online approach, she was able to balance education, entrepreneurship, and motherhood while creating a life aligned with her goals and values.

Seven years later, Encina now runs Owner Dentist, a remote advisory and education business supporting dentists across the country. She is also preparing to launch a professional credential program for dentists through PowerED™ by Athabasca University, all while working intentionally reduced hours to be fully present as a mom to her two daughters.

“When I look at where I was in 2018, it was so stressful. That’s not a life I ever want to return to, versus the life I’m living right now. I’m really blessed.” https://athau.ca/4dI8Aj9

06/03/2026

Craig Skinner (Bachelor of General Studies ’25)
📍 : Guelph, Ont.

“Life and family got in the way. I started with AU in my 20's, then I got married, had kids and grew my profession.”

More than 30 years after first enrolling at Athabasca University, Craig Skinner is completing a degree journey alongside major milestones for his entire family, including graduations for both of his children and his wife working towards a doctorate. This family is soaring!

Skinner graduated from Mount Royal College with an Aviation Diploma in 1989 and began his career as a pilot in Fort McMurray, Alta. A few years later, he joined Air Canada, where he now flies the Boeing 787.
He began studying part time at AU shortly after leaving Mount Royal, completing several courses before stepping away for what became a 20-year break.

“A few years ago, my children were in post-secondary and my wife was completing her doctorate in Psychotherapy, so I dusted off an old transcript and took it up again.”

Returning to his studies decades later gave Skinner the opportunity to pursue research projects connected to both his interests and career.

One history project examined the Canadian raid at Dieppe and how lessons learned influenced the strategy for D-Day. Another geography project focused on upper wind forecasts over the Atlantic Ocean, using data Skinner gathered while flying across the Atlantic over six months.

Congratulations, Craig. Your journey shows it is never too late to return to a goal and see it through! Enjoy your flight across the stage!

06/01/2026

CONTEST

Enter our Local Landmark Contest to win a convocation prize pack, which includes exclusive Convocation Blend coffee roasted by Transcend Coffee, an AU sweatshirt, and AU water bottle.

To enter:
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05/30/2026

Help us celebrate the Class of 2026 with a like, comment, or word of encouragement below. 👇

The countdown to convocation is on, with only 12 days to go!

05/30/2026

Melina Power (Bachelor of Professional Arts ’25)
📍 Fort McMurray, Alta.

“One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing the responsibilities of family commitments, and being the President and CEO of Lakeland Métis Nation while also managing academic work.”

While completing her degree, Melina Power balanced family responsibilities, community leadership, and health challenges, all while serving as President and CEO of Lakeland Metis Nation [tag].

“My role often involves leading projects, attending meetings and responding to community needs which can make it difficult to find time for course work.”

Power says online learning’s flexibility allowed her to continue pursuing her education while balancing work and family commitments.

Throughout her studies, Power also faced health challenges related to breast cancer. She says support from Accessibility Services helped her navigate this difficult period in her life.

“Their understanding and flexibility allowed me to extend my courses and focus on my health. That support gave me the opportunity to continue my degree program despite the breaks I needed while completing the degree program.”

As a Métis woman and leader working with Lakeland Métis Nation, education has strengthened Power’s ability to serve her community and advocate for Métis members.

“Personally, earning my degree has been deeply meaningful. Education has helped my confidence grow and allowed me to continue to learn while balancing family and work.”

And her advice for others?

“Take it one day at a time and keep moving forward. Every course you complete brings you closer to your goal.”

Congratulations, Melina. You’re an inspiration!

05/29/2026

Andrew Hibbits (Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies ’25)
📍Stephenville, Newfoundland

“Completing a graduate degree while balancing work and community commitments requires determination and persistence.”

While pursuing his graduate studies at Athabasca University, Andrew Hibbits balanced a full professional and community life in rural Newfoundland.

During his studies, Hibbits worked full time in economic development, served on several nonprofit boards, and later transitioned into a teaching role at the College of the North Atlantic.

“At times, managing everything at once required a lot of discipline and careful time management.”

Living in Western Newfoundland, Hibbits says access to graduate programs can be limited without relocating. Online learning at AU allowed him to continue advancing his education while maintaining his professional and community commitments.

“The program’s interdisciplinary nature also appealed to me because my work often sits at the intersection of community development, leadership, nonprofit sustainability, and economic development.”

Throughout his studies, Hibbits says the support of his husband, Stéphane, along with encouragement from instructors, colleagues, friends, and community members, helped him stay motivated.

“Many Athabasca University students are balancing work, family responsibilities, and community involvement while pursuing their studies, and that dedication is inspiring.”

Hibbitts says the degree strengthened both his understanding of leadership and his commitment to the communities he cares about.

“For me, this journey has been about more than earning a credential. It has been an opportunity to deepen my understanding of community leadership and to continue contributing to the communities I care about in Western Newfoundland.”

Congratulations, Andrew. Your journey reflects the power of lifelong learning and community leadership.

05/28/2026

“My career started long before I had a degree. In many ways, it started in Meheba Refugee Settlement in Zambia, where I first learned what resilience, survival, and community truly mean.”

Meet Bazibuhe “Bazi” Muhabwa, Class of '26 grad whose journey began in a refugee settlement in Zambia and is shaped by his life experiences, resiliency, and a commitment to education.

Muhabwa reflects on how his early life in Zambia continues to influence his outlook today, especially in how he understands perseverance and community.

His story highlights how education can serve as a pathway forward, even in the face of significant adversity.

Read his full story at the link in our bio.

05/28/2026

Wendy Klinger (Bachelor of Commerce ’26)
📍 Calgary, Alberta

“It's a long haul, but it is worth the time and energy. Keep yourself in the race.”

For Klinger, earning her degree is not about career advancement. It is personal.

“I have always wanted a degree, and this achievement is just for me.”

Klinger’s path spans decades, shaped by steady progress rather than a single straight line.

She began her academic journey in the 1990s, completing prerequisite courses and earning an Athabasca University Certificate in Administration in 1992. That foundation led to her CMA professional accounting designation in 1998 and a Administration Associate Diploma in 2005.

She chose Athabasca University Faculty of Business because she had not always lived near a university and needed flexibility while working and moving toward retirement.

Returning to complete her Bachelor of Commerce meant revisiting material she had not studied in years. Courses such as statistics, finance, and computer management information systems required her to relearn concepts through online tools and independent study.

Her path did not follow a traditional order, but that was part of what motivated her.

Now retired, she sees her education as something she can carry into volunteer work and future opportunities.

Congratulations, Wendy. Your journey shows it is never too late to keep going and finish what you started.

05/27/2026

Nikki Chopek (Bachelor of Arts, Psychology ’25)
📍 Grande Prairie, Alta.

“The one thing that kept me pushing forward for this degree was the prospect of helping others.”

When Nikki Chopek crosses the convocation stage in Athabasca, Alta., she bring a story shaped not just by academic commitment, but also by frontline work, resilience, and purpose.

While completing her degree, Chopek worked full time supporting unhoused individuals. Her work involved preventing and treating overdoses, teaching naloxone use, and travelling across northern Alberta to deliver harm reduction seminars. Her days were often filled with crisis management, all while continuing her Bachelor of Arts studies.

Through it all, her motivation stayed clear.

“The higher up I can go educationally, the better my chances are of being able to provide help for unhoused folks.”

Athabasca University’s flexible, non-semester-based structure allowed Chopek to continue serving her community while pursuing her degree.

And that community supported her right back.

“I would not have gotten this degree if not for the unhoused folks that I work with. They helped me study on my breaks, let me practice case studies, and showed me new perspectives every day.”

Those shaping experiences didn’t just support her, they helped inform her critical thinking skills, deepened her empathy, and allowed her to fully believe in herself.

With a psychology degree now complete, Chopek sees this milestone as just the start. Her goal: a doctorate—and an even greater ability to advocate for and support vulnerable populations.

Congratulations, Nikki. Your work is already making a difference!

05/25/2026

It's never too late to learn. At Athabasca University, mature learners prove that education can transform lives at any age:

Judy Obee returned to university at 71 after a 55-year gap and graduated with a BGS in 2025.

Jennifer May-Anderson, Sharlene Rutherford, and Anne Kustra balanced careers, family, and study while showing how flexible online learning supports lifelong learning.

Christopher Kayser discovered a new career path in cybercrime after exploring criminal justice through his AU courses.

Louise Daley earned her second AU degree at 93, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Their stories remind us that curiosity and ambition never have an expiration date!

Think you missed your chance to go back to university? Athabasca University students share insight and advice for success in online learning as mature learners.