By Medicine Hat News on June 9, 2020.
Medicine Hat College will be honouring its graduates this week, though a formal commencement ceremony is delayed until next year. With in-person classes suspended at the campus and any large gathering of people closed due to health restrictions, the college announced last month it planned to have a double convocation ceremony next year for both the 2020 and 2021 graduating classes. On Monday, officials announced the institution will hold a drive-thru style event on Friday for 560 students that completed their studies this spring. Staff will line roadways and new grads can have parchments, caps and tassels delivered to vehicles or at a pick-up point for those on foot or using public transit. “We are so proud of what our students have accomplished during their time here at MHC and look forward to seeing some of them back on campus this week as we recognize and celebrate their success,” said college president Kevin Shufflebotham. Those in the arts, business, education and trades programs will receive packages from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Health and scones grads will follow from 12:30-3 p.m. Those unable to attend will receive packages via mail. The official graduation ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 11, 2021 in a morning session prior to next year’s graduates at a ceremony at the Canalta Centre. 8