“Graduation is not the end—it is the beginning,” said Winnipeg’s Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers to the graduating class at the 43rd spring convocation ceremony of Booth University College (Booth UC) in April. “Carry forward the lessons, relationships and compassion you cultivated here.”

Held at Knox United Church in Winnipeg, the ceremony was attended by dignitaries from The Salvation Army and all levels of government, celebrating the achievements of the class of 2025. Among the Salvation Army leaders in attendance were Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander and Booth UC chancellor; Commissioner Debbie Graves, territorial president of women’s ministries; Colonel John Chamness, chief secretary and vice-chair of the board at Booth UC; and David Michel, chair of the board.

Also in attendance were notable leaders who extended greetings and encouragement to the graduates, including Terry Duguid, member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the government of Canada; and Jennifer Chen, member of the Legislative Assembly for Fort Richmond, representing the province of Manitoba.

Dr. Chris Trott, renowned anthropologist and retired warden of St. John’s College at the University of Manitoba, delivered the keynote address. Drawing from his experience working among the Inuit in the Arctic, Trott challenged graduates to reflect on the meaning of authentic humanity, cautioning them to question assumptions shaped by Western norms.

“You do not have to assume you already know what it means to be an authentic human being,” he said. “Be prepared to learn and remember that Scripture provides a powerful guide.”

He encouraged creativity, humility and a commitment to justice as graduates enter a world of boundless opportunities and complex challenges.

The class of 2025 elected Monika Asmundson, bachelor of social work graduate, as their valedictorian. A proud descendant of the Hollow Water First Nation (Treaty 5 Territory), Asmundson honoured her Indigenous heritage by wearing a self-made ribbon skirt and an Ojibwe-designed graduation stole.

In her heartfelt address, Asmundson reflected on the resilience forged during the COVID-19 pandemic, the healing power of community and the collective commitment to “heart work”—building relationships rooted in justice, compassion and truth-telling.

“Our educational journey has equipped us not just with knowledge, but with the heart to be agents of change,” she said.

Two distinguished awards were presented during the ceremony by Commissioner Lee Graves. The General’s Medal was awarded to Lieutenant Bill Mailman for outstanding academic achievement and leadership within the Salvation Army tradition, and the Chancellor’s Medal to Cody Russell in recognition of significant spiritual development, academic excellence and meaningful contribution to Booth UC and the broader community.

Following the conferral of certificates, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees, graduates proudly shifted their tassels from right to left in a symbolic gesture marking the official transition from students to Booth UC alumni. Cheers from proud families and friends echoed through the hall.

Booth UC President Rev. (Dr.) Rob Fringer closed the ceremony with a prayer dedicating the graduates to lives of service, courage and compassionate leadership.

“You leave this place, but God does not leave you. God remains with you, working in you, working through you, to discipline your mind, until it is shaped by the Spirit of God,” said Fringer. “Bend your will until it rests safely and firmly in the divine hand and offer your hands to the Lord’s labour until the world gives birth to perfect peace.”