Class of 2022: Perseverance pays off for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education grads

The Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program at the University of Calgary will see five of its students graduate this year. Emmanuel Agwaze, Megan August, Damion Chiodo, Jacob Gulley and Austin Janz will each receive their Certificate of Completion during the university’s afternoon convocation ceremony on June 1. They will proudly wear an IPSE red hood at the ceremony.

The IPSE program provides individuals with developmental disabilities a university experience and support as they transition to employment. Students take two university courses each fall and winter semester for five years. An IPSE facilitator supports each student through their studies, but the students are empowered to work as much as they can on their own. The program has been working with the University of Calgary since 1992 to create positive inclusive spaces in the community.

Emmanuel Agwaze

Emmanuel Agwaze says he most enjoyed the subjects of geology and music. He particularly enjoyed the climate change aspect to geology and says his professor in music left a big impression on him since she was so helpful.

He found exams to be challenging and says he didn’t enjoy that part of university, but he persevered. He joined several clubs and took part in activities such as painting and drawing.

He is starting a course at Columbia College to study English, and he will also begin working at a retail store.

Go-to study spot: Doucette Library

Advice to new students: “I would say to them, they should get prepared and don’t be nervous. It’s going to be okay — you’ll pass your exams.”

Megan August

Megan August is proud of her time at UCalgary. As she progressed through the IPSE program, she says she grew more independent, and her confidence increased. Her enthusiasm for her education shone through when she was asked what she liked most. “Everything,” she says.

She was fond of going to classes, the gym, the library, the food court, being involved in student clubs, and just hanging out on campus, but especially doing it independently.

“I will miss going there,” says August.

Up next, August will take part in the Graduated Student Services program through the IPSE Society of Alberta. The program focuses on employment services and skills.

Favourite subject: History

Advice to new students: Have fun and be active.

Damion Chiodo

Damion Chiodo says what he’ll miss most about university is meeting up with friends and going to Dinos games and other fun events like ucalgarystrong. He describes university as a good experience, even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic when he had to study at home and couldn’t be on campus.

In addition to his schoolwork, he kept busy with many student clubs including the Special Olympics club, a gaming club and a faith club.

Chiodo is busy with many projects. He volunteers at the Calgary Zoo and works at a golf course in the summer. He also has his own podcast called Accessible Athletics, and is working with CJSW to create another one.

Most recently, Chiodo is in the process of gaining his certification to be a fitness instructor at the YMCA. He’s working with a mentor and is running the warmups and cooldowns in a fitness class. Long-term, he would like to open his own gym and have his own clients.

Go-to study spot: Education Tower, first floor

Favourite subject: Archeology

Advice to new students: Get involved as much as you can.

Jacob Gulley

Jacob Gulley most enjoyed the seemingly small discoveries he made throughout his educational journey, such as finding a favourite snack place.

“Every time I go there, I treat myself to a snack in Mac Hall,” he says.

Throughout his program, he took part in several activities through clubs including a drum circle, baking and learning magic. He stepped up as an orientation leader in an upper year to help incoming students learn about the university.

He says a challenge of his was finding quiet study spots, and at the beginning of his studies, finding his way around campus.

Gulley will start in the Graduated Support Services program through the IPSE Society of Alberta now that he’s completed his Inclusive Post-Secondary Education certificate.

Go-to study spot: Doucette Library

Favourite campus eatery: Noodle Grill Express

Austin Janz

Austin Janz found UCalgary to be a welcoming place. He speaks fondly of a professor who encouraged him to get more involved both in the class and at university. As an audit student, Janz had not been quite comfortable enough to participate fully in his classes, but with this professor’s encouragement, that changed.

“I started to feel more comfortable," says Janz. “It gave me confidence to do more, and I started taking credit classes.”

One of his most enjoyable experiences was discovering NUTV. As a volunteer, Janz learned about video production, among many other skills. He would later use those same skills to launch his own political YouTube channel, combining his newfound technical skills with his interest in politics and history.

Up next, Janz will be taking courses for the next two to three years through SAIT’s business program as the first student in an IPSE pilot at the school.

Go-to study spot: Doucette Library

Favourite subject: History

Many congratulations to them all.