Saturday was an afternoon of giving thanks and looking forward at Yukon College.

"To me, convocation doesn't refer to the ceremony alone, but to the people who make it special,” said Dr. Vianne Timmons, president of the University of Regina and the event's keynote speaker.

More than 200 students have received degrees from the longstanding partnership between Yukon College and the University of Regina.

On Saturday, another 14 added their names to the list, with nine receiving bachelor degrees from the Yukon Native Teacher Education Program and five receiving bachelor of social work degrees.

Overall, nearly 180 students from 35 programs crossed the stage to accept their certificates, diplomas and degrees on Saturday.

Timmons thanked each of the graduating programs for the special skills and abilities they are bringing into the world.

"I assure you: finishing your studies is not the end, it's the beginning,” she said, adding that education is an "investment in a bright future.”

College instructor Robert Ferro acted as emcee for the afternoon's ceremonies, keeping the audience laughing while imparting some knowledge to the graduates.

He talked about using maps to get to a destination and how, for college, the destination is graduation.

"Eventually, you get to your destination,” said Ferro. "You're happy. You've enjoyed the journey.”

Jessie Dawson from the Kwanlin Dun First Nation acknowledged the journey likely hasn't always been an easy one.

"No matter how you got here, we're glad you made it,” she said.

Now, after lots of hard work, you have everything you need to meet the challenges the world may throw at you, Dawson told the grads.

"Where ever you go, go with all your heart and do the best you can do,” she advised.

In an emotional address, student speakers Patsy Cashin and Ginny Coyne, both of the native teachers program, thanked the multitude of people who helped the grads achieve their goals.

Cashin gave appreciation for everyone from the instructors to the audience, and said her classmates have been and will continue to be her support.

Coyne encouraged her fellow graduates to be proud of themselves.

"Always remember your achievements with pride,” she said. "Success is not measured by how you fulfilled the expectations of others.”

Amidst the thoughtful words of inspiration and gratitude, Ferro interjected some humour, giving real examples of answers students had given to exam questions, such as "What is a vacuum?”

The given answer? "Something Mom says I should use more often.”

Another crowd favourite was "What is a fibula?” One student answered with: "A little lie.”

The graduates heard again and again how they are entering an exciting new phase of their lives, but they aren't the only ones: The college itself marked a transition on Saturday.

This year's graduating class is the last for the college's president , Dr. Terry Weninger, who is retiring and passing the torch to current vice-president Dr. Karen Barnes.

"We've come a long way under (Weninger's) leadership,” said Yukon College chancellor Rolf Hougen, adding that Barnes is certainly someone who has the skills and ability to succeed Weninger.

"Start here, go anywhere: Under Karen's leadership, we know Yukon College will continue to evolve and continue to grow.”

While there was much reflection on Weninger's time with the institution, the afternoon really was about the college's 2011 graduates.

Randall Tetlichi, a member of the college's First Nations support staff, told the graduates the world is eagerly anticipating what they will bring.

"We needed you yesterday, we need you today and we'll need you tomorrow,” he said.