Online University Graduates First Students
Yorkville University proudly convocated its first cohort of 22 students in spring 2006, less than 2 years after opening its doors. Dr. Michael Markovitz, President of Yorkville University flew to Toronto to personally deliver the first degree ever to be awarded by Yorkville University.
This inaugural class paved the way for future students to be recognized and accepted in the counselling world. These graduates acted as ambassadors on behalf of the University, explaining the program to potential practicum sites and employers. Grace Williams, now a counselor for the Jamaican/Canadian Association, noted that she often had to explain about Yorkville University as it was not widely recognized in its early days. Danielle Tremblay, who is currently in the process of licensing as a Psychologist in Alberta, said that while she often needed to explain how she studied in one province while living in another, her degree from Yorkville University was “never put into question”.
Thanks in part to these first graduates; Yorkville University is now widely accepted within the mental health community. This acceptance is reflected through the high caliber practicum sites such as the BC Ministry of Children and Families, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and Calgary Counselling Centre.
Students from this first cohort have since found jobs in a variety of settings, working in government agencies, as counsellors both publicly and privately, and as licensed Psychologists in Alberta. Other students, such as Sharon Wade, have gone on to complete studies at the PhD level.
