The Community Learning Centre was packed to the rafters with proud family members, leaders and elders. There wasn’t a dry eye as students entered in caps and gowns and accepted the community’s recognition for their hard work and commitment.

"The ECE program is one of the greatest. It takes a lot of commitment, but we stuck with it and learned a lot," said Early Childhood Education graduate and Valedictorian Jennifer Ivvalu. "We are so happy we know so much now about how to care for children and how to help them learn their language and culture through activities."

The College Foundations prepares adult learners with the academic prerequisites for college programs in areas such as math, science, communications and social studies. Graduates plan to enroll in programs including ETP and Nursing at the College next year.

Nunavut Arctic College would like to congratulate this year's College Foundations Certificate program graduates. They are: Ilisapi Angutimarik, Jimmy Makkik, Lucy Qattalik, Emily Qattalik, Joshua Qaunaq, Paul-Silas Uyarak and Benedicte Uttak. The Academic Award for this year's College Foundations Certificate Program was presented to Emily Qattalik who earned a 96% average. Congratulations, Emily!

The Early Childhood Education program trains students to work with children from infancy to the age of six. The program offers a balance between early childhood education skills, classroom discussions and practical training and develops in students the knowledge and confidence to work with young children. Graduates hope to find employment in Igloolik’s new childcare centre which opens this fall.

Receiving their Certificate in Early Childhood Education this year were graduates Lily Angutimarik, Jessica-Rose Ikummaq, Ericka Irngaut, Jennifer Ivalu, Linda Qattalik and Daisy Kripanik, Nancy Angilirq, Charlene Kappianaq and Beatrice Uttak. The Academic Award for this year's Early Childhood Education program was presented to Lily Angutimarik who excelled in every subject. Congratulations, Lily!

Congratulations to all our graduating students, instructors and elders in Igloolik! We are very proud of their accomplishments and wish our graduates all the best of success as they move into careers.

For more information about programs and courses starting in Fall 2012, visit our web site, or contact the Nunatta Campus Registrar's Office at 1-866-979-7222.

More graduation events for spring 2012 will be taking place so stay tuned! If you enjoyed this story, please share it with your friends with our social media buttons! Tweet us or Like Us on Facebook!