MHC’s class of 2020 will convocate in 2021
By Medicine Hat News on April 16, 2020.
New graduates of Medicine Hat College are being asked to save the date – June 11, 2021 – to attend a delayed convocation ceremony. This week, the institution posted the new date, 364 days later than initially planned, for the event at the Canalta Centre. The formal cap and gown ceremony to honour the accomplishments of students can’t move ahead during public health restrictions on large gatherings. “It’s a real disappointment that we have to postpone,” said Sandy Henderson, the college’s registrar and dean of student services. “It’s probably my favourite day of the year, but at this point we just don’t know if we could (hold it) this spring.” Henderson said that 550 students had officially applied to graduate this spring, and the ceremony is a not required for students to receive their degrees and certificates. Those will be awarded and will come into effect for graduates’ credentials immediately. While a nicety, Henderson said crossing a stage to receive a diploma, awarding student and faculty member of the year awards and presenting an honorary degree speaker, are a formal way to recognize students’ accomplishment and share that with friends and family. MHC does not hold a fall convocation, and in previous years held two programs on a single day divided by faculties. A single, larger ceremony was planned this year to take place at the Canalta Centre, but the postponement means two programs – each comprising a different academic year – will be held on June 11, 2021. 7-6
