Graduates cross the stage as MHC celebrates convocation

Medicine Hat, AB - Medicine Hat College (MHC) will host Convocation 2024 with a record number of students crossing the stage at Co-op Place on June 14.
With three new programs graduating their first class this year, MHC will celebrate the achievement of nearly 500 students, including graduates from Sustainable Innovation, Sport & Event Marketing and Management, and Service Dog and Canine Studies Management, as well as those completing other certificate, diploma, degree and apprenticeship programs.
“Convocation is a special time for everyone at Medicine Hat College as we honour the growth and success of our students,” says MHC President Kevin 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.”
MHC will also recognize a number of award winners, including
• Student of the Year: Rebecca Hirsch
• Instructor(s) of the Year: Duane Delaurier, Dr. Brian Duffels
• Governor General’s Academic Medal: Marissa Kollross
• Honorary Applied Baccalaureate Degree: Nichole Neubauer
The Student of the Year award goes to Rebecca Hirsch, a graduate of the Sport & Event Marketing and Management (SEMM) diploma program. In addition to her exceptional academic performance, Hirsch played an integral role in the creation and leadership of the SEMM student club, and served as the vice-president, event specialist for the Business Ambassador Student Club and vice-president, community for the Students' Association.
Hirsch was also a familiar face on the sports scene, where she filled the role of game day lead for the newly established Rattlers women's hockey team, earning her provincial recognition as the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference Minor Official of the Year.
This year, MHC is pleased to present two deserving faculty members with the Instructor of the Year award, as nominated by students.
The first goes to Duane Delaurier, an instructor in the paramedic program.
From physiology to pathology, Delaurier is passionate about teaching medical-related subjects, using a variety of methodologies and sharing real-life experience to help his students make sense of the material and apply it to their career. His commitment to the paramedicine profession is evident as he continuously seeks to stay current in the practice and pass that knowledge to his students. His students describe him as an amazing human who loves teaching and seeing them succeed.
The second Instructor of the Year award recognizes Dr. Brian Duffels, an instructor in the School of Arts, Science and Education.
With a Master of Psychology from the University of Alberta and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Northern British Columbia, Duffels brings expertise in neurocognition to his students who appreciate his willingness to provide support that sets them up for success, along with his sense of humour and superior taste in coffee, music and pets.
The historic Governor General’s Academic Medal was created in 1873 to encourage academic excellence across the nation. This year’s recipient is Marissa Kollross, a graduate of the Early Learning and Child Care program.
Kollross was known as an exceptional student during her time at MHC. She not only excelled academically, but actively contributed to the betterment of the community through her involvement in various extracurricular activities. Her commitment to inclusion, collaboration and the ideals of early childhood education defined her success, first as a student and now as an early learning and childcare professional.
Finally, MHC is pleased to recognize Nichole Neubauer as the recipient of the 2024 Honorary Applied Baccalaureate Degree.
Combining her early learning education from Medicine Hat College with her agricultural background and expertise, Neubauer has brought farm life to the forefront for more than 22,000 student visitors at Neubauer Farms. Her influence and impact on education continued to grow with her involvement in the creation and coordination of the Irvine Agricultural Discovery Centre with Prairie Rose Public Schools, providing students with an opportunity to manage their own farm in a school environment.
With awards and recognition at local, provincial and national levels, Neubauer is a champion for education and agriculture in Southeast Alberta.
Medicine Hat College looks forward to celebrating all graduates, award winners and special guests at Convocation 2024. The ceremony starts at 1 p.m. at Co-op Place.