MHC Pride Week, Best of Last Art Show, and NSERC grant funding

MHC Pride Week celebrates inclusion
A rainbow of activity will colour Medicine Hat College (MHC) campuses from September 16-20 in honour of Pride Week, promoting an environment of inclusivity, equality and learning in support of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Lily Schaerer, president of the Students’ Association at MHC, says there are a variety of events planned for everyone on campus to take part in, beginning with the raising of the Pride flag at noon on Monday outside of the main entrance. “We are incredibly excited to celebrate Pride Week with many fun events at MHC. This is an important opportunity to showcase our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone on campus. Pride Week is about more than just celebration – it’s about fostering understanding, promoting equality, and standing together as a community in support of all members of our college,” says Schaerer. Other activities throughout the week include:  Show your Pride Selfie Station / Message of Pride Heart Wall Tuesday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Pride Information Hub with resources, games and snacks Wednesday, Sept. 18. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Pride Button Making Activity Thursday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Pride ‘Gaymes’ Friday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. MHC’s Brooks Campus also plans to host a number of Pride events, kicking off their celebrations with a flag raising Monday at noon. A selfie station and Pride Heart Wall will be on display Tuesday, followed by popcorn and Pride crafts on Wednesday. Beyond Pride Week, college leaders remain committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus yearround. “We are fortunate to have an active Students’ Association that encourages our learners to come together in unity,” says Kevin Shufflebotham, president and CEO. “It’s what we strive for at MHC – creating a safe environment where we can learn from each other, fostering a sense of belonging, and growing as a community.” For more information on the Pride Week activities being hosted by SAMHC, visit www.facebook.com/studentsassociationmhc/

Back to School with Best of Last
The first art exhibition of the year is now on at One on One Gallery, located in the Cultural Centre at Medicine Hat College (MHC). The show, Best of Last, highlights work of selected art and design students from the previous year’s classes and provides a comprehensive overview of the applied degree program, which includes painting, drawing, graphic design, sculpture courses and more over three years. Jessica Plattner, art and design program coordinator, says the annual Best of Last show has become a highly anticipated event for both new and returning students. “We install the show in time for New Student Orientation in September, so incoming students can see some of the exciting projects awaiting them. For current students, it’s a little badge of honour to be selected. As an instructor, it is so hard to choose just a few pieces from all the great work that is done by our students.” Best of Last is open to the public during gallery hours. There will also be a reception held on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. Learn more about the One on One Gallery at www.mhc.ab.ca

Centre for Innovation receives $750K NSERC Mobilize Grant to advance agricultural research
The Centre for Innovation (C4i) at Medicine Hat College (MHC) is growing its capacity for agricultural research and education in Southeast Alberta, thanks to $750,000 in grant funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). “C4i will be developing an Agriculture Applied Research Program that aims to tackle pressing challenges and opportunities by emphasizing technology, science, and business innovation within the agricultural sector,” explains Dr. Morgan Blair, dean for the School of Business and Continuing Studies and the School of Trades and Technology. “With a focus on applied soil research, we will enhance production and optimize resource utilization, while also considering labor shortages and climate change impacts.” This funding represents the largest ever NSERC grant received by MHC and will provide $150,000 annually over the next five years. Key objectives include facilitating, designing, and securing funding for time-sensitive applied research projects, strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, increasing faculty and student involvement in applied research, and providing training for students aligned with partner innovation priorities. The partners involved are stakeholders from the agriculture sector in the South Alberta region, ensuring that the research efforts are closely aligned with the needs and priorities of the local ag community. MHC Vice-President and Provost, Dr. Nancy Brown, adds that this applied research program is also in alignment with the college’s strategic goals, which are committed to supporting regional vitality. “By fostering collaboration, increasing participation, and providing training opportunities, the program aims to advance applied research priorities within the college and the broader agricultural community. Medicine Hat College and its Centre for Innovation are grateful for NSERC’s support of this initiative that will address major innovation needs in the agricultural sector, explore solutions to enhance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and mitigate challenges posed by labor shortages and climate change impacts.” Next steps will include identifying industry experts to lead the applied research program and members of the community to provide critical insight into pressing agricultural challenges here at home and beyond. For more information about research and innovation at MHC, please visit C4i | MHC.