June 6, 2022

Medicine Hat College (MHC) is excited to welcome the Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022 to this year’s convocation celebrations on Friday June 10, 2022 at Co-op Place.

Students have shown incredible resiliency and strength while completing their studies, says MHC president and CEO Kevin Shufflebotham, who looks forward to congratulating every student on their accomplishments in-person as they walk the stage.

“Convocation over the last two years has taken different forms, but nothing can replace the energy and excitement of being together to celebrate this milestone” says Shufflebotham. “I hope that each and every graduate will take a few moments this week to reflect on their achievements and be proud of how far they have come.”

The morning ceremony will celebrate the graduates of 2020 and 2021 at 10 a.m., while the afternoon ceremony will celebrate the graduates of 2022 at 1:30 p.m.*

MHC will also recognize a number of award winners, presenting each with titles including Student of the Year, Instructor of the Year, Governor General’s Academic Medal and Honorary Applied Degree.

The award winners for 2022 are…

Student of the Year: Travis Boser

The Medicine Hat College Student of the Year is nominated by the faculty and awarded annually to a student with exceptional academic standing. Additionally, this student must have made a significant contribution to the cultural, social or recreational life of Medicine Hat College.

Travis Boser, a graduate of the collaborative Bachelor of Education program, is described by his instructors and practicum teacher as an exemplary student, volunteer, and future teacher. Originally from Leader, Saskatchewan, Boser always dreamed of becoming a teacher and demonstrates his passion for teaching, not only in his studies, but also through his work in the community.

During his time at MHC, Boser was committed to enhancing the student experience by serving on the MHC Board of Governors and Education Undergraduate Society, ensuring the student voice was well represented on campus. Boser also volunteered with organizations such as Saamis Immigration Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Medicine Hat Musical Theatre, both as a performer and board member. He is also the creator and host of the podcast Canada Out of the Closet, which provides a voice to the LGBTQ+ community.

Boser looks forward to working with students and growing in his professional career.

Instructor of the Year: Preston Sloan

Preston Sloan, coordinator of MHC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant /Physical Therapy Assistant (OTA/PTA) program, is named MHC’s Instructor of the Year.

Sloan was raised in Medicine Hat and, with an interest in physical therapy, decided to begin his studies at MHC in the University Studies: Kinesiology program. With his career goal in mind, Sloan completed both his kinesiology degree and Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta. His Medicine Hat roots brought him back to the city in 2016 to work as a physical therapist and in 2018, he was hired as a part-time kinesiology instructor at MHC. Sloan became a full-time instructor in 2021, quickly growing into the role of program coordinator for the OTA/PTA program.

Described by his students as their ‘number one cheerleader’, Sloan’s attentiveness, transparency, and ability to adapt lessons to their needs are just a few of the reasons they believe he is deserving of this award.

Governor General’s Academic Medal: Jean-Francois Marquis

The recipient of this year’s historic Governor General’s Academic Medal is Jean-Francois Marquis, a graduate of the power engineering program. It is awarded to the student who receives the highest overall average upon graduation.

Originally from Quebec City, he worked in combat engineering for 10 years before his retirement from the military base in Suffield. With a love of working with machinery and troubleshooting, he was called to the power engineering program, where the small class sizes and dedicated instructors played a huge role in his success.

Upon beginning his studies, Marquis’ goal was to finish in the top three of his class and due to his hard work and discipline, he is well-deserving of this award. He looks forward to completing his second class power engineering exams and using his knowledge to find employment in Medicine Hat.

Honorary Degree: Elder Charlie Fox

Medicine Hat College is pleased to recognize Elder Charlie Fox - Piitahonista, Eagle Calf - as the recipient of the 2022 honorary applied baccalaureate degree.

As an Elder of the Kainai Nations Sacred Horn Society and a the member of the Blood Tribe, a First Nations Band Government serving southern Alberta, Elder Charlie Fox has been an integral part of Medicine Hat College’s efforts to develop Indigenous-focused strategies that will support its capacity for understanding, education and growth.

His specific contributions to the college are numerous. He has personally advised on matters including the 2020 Land Blessing Ceremony for the new indigenous space, the Indigenous strategic plan that will help MHC walk a new path, and assisted in the creation of a partnership with the Miywasin Friendship Centre.

As the college looks to the future, and strives to create a fair and inclusive environment for all people and cultures, we are grateful for the guidance of Elder Fox as we make this journey together.

 

*Please note, this story has been updated with the corrected time of 1:30 p.m. for the afternoon ceremony, not 2 p.m. as previously stated.