Convocation ‘24: Marc Parma, BA Physical Education

Marc Parma, BA Physical Education

From the court to grad cap: finding balance with sports, studies and community engagement

Learn About the Program

Marc Parma’s passion for sports and understanding the human body led him to pursue his studies in physical education at the University of Alberta Augustana Campus. With a love for basketball fueling his academic journey, Marc found Augustana to be the perfect fit, offering him the opportunity to balance his athletic pursuits with his education.

Among the many memories Marc cherishes from his time at Augustana, one standout moment is the simple joy of sharing meals with his basketball team, forming bonds that extend beyond the court.

Outside of academics, Marc's involvement in volunteering with Special Olympics Camrose allowed him to contribute meaningfully to his community. As a second-year student, Marc organized activities for participants and says that it was incredibly fulfilling to see their enthusiasm and progress. These experiences enriched his journey, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the campus.

His advice to current and future Augustana students? “Enjoy the moment and be open to trying new things,” says Marc. “Get out of your comfort zone.”

As Marc's convocation approaches, he anticipates treasuring moments with his family as they celebrate together. He eagerly awaits his future journey, seeking out opportunities for a master's program.

Congratulations, Marc!

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A Augustana for your studies?

I really like sports and knowing how the human body works, I picked Augustana because it gave me the opportunity to play sports.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at Augustana?

Going out to eat with the team. Those times bonding with the team were seriously awesome! Just chilling together and feeling like one big family made for some of the best memories of the past years. Plus, getting to meet new people along the way was a really nice experience that I will remember! Our favourite spot to go eat was Geos for wing Wednesday!

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

Paul Nya was an exceptional teacher because not only did I thoroughly enjoy his classes, but also his teaching style. He made sure everyone was engaged and fostered a comfortable environment for sharing diverse viewpoints on a wide range of topics.

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student, either on campus or in the Camrose community? 

Participating in Special Olympics was an incredible experience! During my second year, I was there every two weeks, alongside some teammates, tasked with organizing activities for the participants. Our go-to was basketball practice, which participants absolutely loved. It was incredibly fulfilling to see their enthusiasm and progress, making it a truly rewarding experience for me.

How did you get to where you are today?

By taking year by year and working the best I could.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

Enjoy the moment and be open to trying new things — get out of your comfort zone.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

Spending time with my parents.

What's next after graduation?

Trying to get into a master’s program. Since I was 16, I've been passionate about pursuing a career in physiotherapy. Now, I'm fully committed to making that dream a reality through hard work and dedication.