Robert E. Wanner to receive Honorary Applied Degree from MHC
Medicine Hat College (MHC) is pleased to announce Robert (Bob) E. Wanner as the recipient of its 2023 honorary applied baccalaureate degree.“Bob Wanner has made a significant impact across our community and province on many levels and we are proud to confer MHC’s highest honour in recognition of his contributions,” says Sarah MacKenzie, chair of the college’s Board of Governors. “From volunteering with his young children many years ago at the Veiner Centre on Christmas Day, to serving the region and province as an MLA and Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly, his commitment and connection to people is sincere.”
Living by the words of Tommy Douglas, “It’s not too late to make a better world”, Wanner’s dedication to lifelong learning and public service is evident in the journey that led to this recognition.
That journey started in 1972 when he and his wife, Joan Emard, first arrived in Medicine Hat. In 1975, they moved with their three young daughters to Hamilton, Ontario, where he completed a Master of Social Welfare Policy degree at McMaster University. Twenty years later, Wanner completed a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Calgary; working during the day for the City of Medicine Hat while studying at night alongside his fourth daughter who, like all her sisters, attended Medicine Hat College. A granddaughter and grandson have since followed that tradition, one of whom will cross the stage on Friday.
Not limiting himself to learning as a student, he also chose to learn through teaching, and spent time as an instructor of sociology at MHC. His passion for post-secondary continued by sitting as a University of Calgary Senator, demonstrating again his belief in ensuring strong education for everyone.
Wanner began his early career as a provincial social worker in northern Alberta before moving south into municipal government. During his time with the City of Medicine Hat, he was involved with the implementation of citywide early childhood and day care centres, including the partnership between the College and City to open the College Child Development Centre, the building of the Veiner Center, developing Medicine Hat Seniors’ Services, and the building of the Esplanade.
Over the years, he has given his time to numerous local organizations and charities, including various theatre groups, reflecting his love for the arts. Wanner also played an instrumental role in developing the international and local charity, Canadians Reaching Out to the Worlds’s Children Foundation (CARO), and is currently serving as vice-president including the recent amalgamation with the Medicine Hat and Area Refugee Team.
His belief in the value of public service eventually led him to accept a request to run as the MLA for Medicine Hat. He spent four years as the Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly and earned the respect of all elected members on both sides of the House. Highlights of his contributions include touring the province with the Mace to share an important symbol of legislative democracy with rural and Indigenous communities. He also initiated the permanent installation of Indigenous artwork by the renowned Alex Janvier into the Assembly Chamber. For this demonstration of leadership, Wanner was presented with an eagle feather by Lewis Cardinal, which represents his most valued gift from his time in office.
Wanner is also a recent recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, an honour bestowed on Albertans who have given significant service to the province.
“I have a profound sense of humility,” says Wanner in response to receiving MHC’s honorary degree. “There are so many hard-working fellow citizens who silently work every day serving our community. I accept this award on behalf of all of those dedicated people with the hope that all of us never forget to say thank you to those who quietly work in so many different ways."