Father’s Day was on June 21, but Portage College Business Program Coordinator Allan Robertson got a gift earlier in the month as he watched one of his daughters cross the stage at Portage College’s Convocation ceremony on June 4.
Merridy Robertson is one of this year’s Early Learning and Child Care Certificate (ELCC) graduates. She was one of 1,200 Portage College students graduating from 36 programs during the Convocation 2026 events that took place June 4 and 5 in Lac La Biche. Allan watched proudly from his seat inside the College’s gymnasium filled with family, friends, faculty and staff as she crossed the stage in her cap and gown.
“It is a good feeling. You’re always proud of your kids – and to see them enjoying their achievement in front of everyone makes it that much better,” he said.
Merridy, who will be returning to Portage College next semester for two courses to complete her ELCC Diploma, has enjoyed the Portage family connection during her studies.
“Through my time at Portage, my dad has been incredibly supportive and I’m glad he was there to see me succeed,” she said.
Choosing College
That constant support helped guide Merridy towards a college education and helped her with the enrollment process.
“I have always had college on my mind, but my dad does a lot to support me through my education. Especially when it comes to registering and communicating with college services,” she said.
So, her dad’s a “business guy” and Merridy chose education – didn’t she feel a pull towards his career path?
A little, she says – but it is her dad’s overall outlook that she thinks will do her well in her chosen field.
“Though Business is something that I can’t see myself doing, my dad has always been someone who is very supportive, easy-going, and fair with everyone. For me these are qualities that people in businesses need – and they are qualities I also try to apply in my own career when it comes to childcare,” she said.
Merridy plans to use her education to begin a career working with younger children, in particular, students in the neurodivergent community. She hopes to offer them as much support as her dad and her family have shown her.
Allan, who is quick to share Merridy’s praise with other members of the family, said convocation was a good dad-moment for the memory banks.
“What more can you ask for than to see your kids happy and moving forward?”