April 7, 2015

Retired educator, Dr. Larry Henderson has been selected as the 2015 honorary applied baccalaureate degree recipient at Medicine Hat College.

Henderson will formally accept the honour during the college convocation ceremonies on June 5. He will be the tenth recipient of the honour, following in the footsteps of Rob Renner, Roy Wilson, Dr. Richard and Deborah Northcott, Bob Porter, John Moldon, Ken Sauer, Jim Horsman, Randy Eresman, and Terry Brekko.

After completing his high school education in Golden Prairie, Saskatchewan, Henderson went on to complete a bachelor of education from the University of Alberta in 1960. He later achieved a master of education from the University of Calgary, and a doctor of education from the University of Montana.

After a lengthy career as a teacher, Henderson spent many years mentoring other educational professionals. Noted for both his love of learning, and his love for educating others, he was a leader in creating mentorship opportunities for education students, helping them to realize their potential and successfully motivating them to build positive relationships with students, fellow teachers and parents.

MHC president Denise Henning says she looks forward to presenting Henderson with the honorary degree.

“Larry is an exemplary role model for professionals in the field of education. His contribution to education in our communities over the years is inspiring, and we are proud to present him with this award,” says Henning.

In addition to Henderson’s support of education, he has also been an active volunteer in Medicine Hat. As a founding director of the public school board foundation, he has spent countless hours supporting the district by organizing charity golf tournaments and telethons and working casinos. Volunteerism in the community has also been an important part of his life. He is an avid supporter of the Southern Alberta Winter and Summer Games (even serving as a committee chair in the past), is an active Lions club member, and has received numerous awards, including the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 and a City of Medicine Hat Civic Recognition Award for Community Service.

Henderson is honoured to have been chosen by the Board of Governors to receive the 2015 honorary applied baccalaureate degree.

“I really don’t feel that I have done anything to be worthy of this honour. There are so many great teachers in our city. I am very pleased to receive this recognition and I hope all teachers, everywhere will share in this honour.”