May 2021

DAWSON CITY, YT—The Yukon School of Visual Arts (SOVA) received a record 32 applications for the upcoming school year from across Canada and as far afield as Japan and Taiwan.  

Program director, Aubyn O’Grady has sent out 20 acceptance letters and is hopeful all 20 students sign up when registration opens on May 31. 

O’Grady credits several reasons for SOVA’s growing success, including more actively sharing aspects of Dawson City life on their social media platforms and their ability to hold in-person studios and classes within COVID-19 safety measures.  

In addition, a pilot project with Northern Vision Development and the Downtown Hotel is providing housing to students arriving at the end of the summer.  

WHITEHORSE, YT— Over 800 employees of Yukon College between 1988 and 2020 are being celebrated in a new display unveiled today at Yukon University’s Ayamdigut Campus.

The display was conceived and donated by President Emerita Dr. Karen Barnes and husband Dean MacKay, a faculty member from 2011 to 2016.

“It’s wonderful to stand before this and see the names of all the people who contributed to the success of Yukon College across 32 years,” said Dr. Barnes. “Having worked many years in post-secondary education in Yukon and Alberta, Dean and I know that each person recognized here had a part to play. Each one connected with a student. Each one left an imprint. We wanted to honour the legacies of each one and ensure their contributions are not forgotten.”

WHITEHORSE, YT—Yukon University has partnered with NorthwesTel Community TV to celebrate degree, diploma and certificate graduates from 2020 and 2021 virtually this Friday.

A one-hour program will air at 5:30 p.m. via NorthwesTel cable channel 209 in Whitehorse and at yukonu.ca/grad for everywhere beyond Whitehorse.

“We’re thrilled to have NorthwesTel Community TV partner with us to produce a virtual celebration of the first two graduating classes of Yukon University,” said Dr. Maggie Matear, interim president and vice chancellor.

“These students have persevered against the incredible challenge of COVID-19 in their personal, work and school lives and shown amazing resilience earning their degrees, diplomas and certificates. We hope family, friends and loved ones can join us on Friday, from across Canada and around the world, in celebrating their graduate’s remarkable achievement,” added Dr. Matear.