Convocation

Dreams of studying abroad lead to entrepreneurship and student government

In the lead-up to Convocation Spring 2025, Algonquin College is featuring unique stories of graduates and their post-secondary education journeys.

A woman with long dark hair stands in front of a sign that says Students' Association.

Maria Silveira

From an early age, Maria Silveira always dreamt of studying abroad. Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, Silveira’s parents encouraged her to pursue education to achieve her goals. After completing a Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Business Administration in Brazil, she spent eight years working with project management before deciding to apply to Algonquin College.

“It was a very tricky moment for me because although I wanted to have this experience abroad, I was already at a point in my career where I felt I was achieving the success I had aimed for,” said Silveira. “However, I always had encouragement from my parents to try to do new things, knowing it would be better to regret something than to not try.”

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Meet our Valedictorian Aaref Awad

As we prepare for the upcoming 2025 Spring Convocation, we are pleased to highlight our valedictorians who will be speaking to their respective classes during their ceremonies.

Aaref Awad is graduating from the Computer Programming program in the School of Advanced Technology.

Aaref’s respectful, caring and collaborative nature set him apart as a noteworthy Algonquin College learner and an outstanding ambassador for his classmates and future alumni.

More information about the Algonquin College convocation ceremonies can be found here.

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Meet our Valedictorian Karolina Galuszka

As we prepare for the upcoming 2025 Spring Convocation, we are pleased to highlight our valedictorians who will be speaking to their respective classes during their ceremonies.

Karolina Galuszka is graduating from the Business program in the School of Business and Hospitality.

In addition to her studies at the College, where she received a combined GPA of 3.98, she is simultaneously completing a BA in Political Science at Carleton University.

Hear what she has to say about her time at Algonquin College.

More information about the Algonquin College convocation ceremonies can be found here. Continue reading