Jefferson Hagen / MacEwan Athletics
Kelly Fagan's contributions to the MacEwan women's basketball program are undeniable.
She holds 12 different game/season marks in MacEwan's Canada West record book after her all-star university career wrapped up in 2016.
As she officially graduated from MacEwan University on Thursday with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in chemistry, Fagan received the ultimate honour, winning the prestigious President's Medal.
"It was really surprising, but it's a really nice way to leave MacEwan," said Fagan. "I feel like I achieved a lot and I'm moving on to the next part of my life."
Awarded annually to students in degree and diploma programs who best represent excellence in academics, community service and contribution to the university, the 2017 President's Medals were given to Fagan, Psychology student Brandon Craig and Design student Amanda Ozga.
Outgoing MacEwan University President David Atkinson notes Fagan's athletic contributions need no introduction.
"Her role as an athlete – she was really quite exceptional in the way she played," he said. "She dominated in the ACAC and then she moved into Canada West and she dominated again.
"I think the thing that distinguishes her is she has a real sense of humility and commitment to others, commitment to her teammates. When I heard her speak at the athletics banquet (in 2016), I thought, 'there's somebody pretty special.'
"It's quite personal," Atkinson continued. "It's nice in my last convocation that I'm able to recognize a student that really represents what I consider to be what a student should be. She has all the attributes to be successful. I wish her well."
Fagan holds 12 MacEwan women's basketball Canada West records, including most rebounds in a game (20), most blocks in a game (7) and most double-doubles in a season (8).
She was named a Canada West second team all-star in 2014-15 and was on the third team in her final season of eligibility (2015-16).
"I miss it so much," said Fagan. "I love my team. I had amazing coaches. I think being able to play at that level of competitiveness in the sport you love is just something that's not super common, so it's just really fantastic.
"It was amazing. I'm so grateful I had that opportunity."
Her academic dossier is equally impressive – two-time Dean's List member from 2014-16, member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and numerous contributions, including speaking at academic conferences, working as a lab assistant at the University of Alberta and receiving several scholarships.
As for community service, Fagan also distinguished herself – volunteering at the Salvation Army, Sturgeon Hospital and the Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre. She also worked with kids at summer camps and participated in many community activities with the Griffins women's basketball team.
Her community service was recognized by the Canada West Conference in 2015 with the prestigious Sylvia Sweeney Award.
Fagan has grand plans to build off her noteworthy time at MacEwan University. She has been accepted for graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania this fall where she will be working towards a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, majoring in gene therapy and vaccines.
"I would really love to own my own lab," she said. "I'm going down to the States for school because they have the best program I could find for what I'm interested in, but I would love to come back to Canada and be able to establish my own lab for gene therapy here, and kind of be able to dictate the research that's being done."