Nichole Neubauer, who attended the college in the late 1990s, will receive Medicine Hat College's 2024 honorary baccalaureate degree.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
news@medicinehatnews.com
Nichole Neubauer has been named recipient of the 2024 honorary applied baccalaureate degree from Medicine Hat College, recognizing her commitment to agriculture, education and the community.
The News named Neubauer ‘Newsmaker of the Year’ for 2023, noting her ability to promote agriculture in the region without complaints of being “forgotten” in this corner of the province.
Neubauer’s impact on education continues to grow with her involvement in the creation and co-ordination of the Irvine Agricultural Discovery Centre with Prairie Rose Public Schools.
Neubauer is a Rattler alumnus, attending the college from 1996 to 1998, and since then her work has brought agriculture to the forefront for more than 22,000 student visitors.
“Nichole has been described as a true visionary leader who is willing to roll up her sleeves and get the job done,” says Sarah MacKenzie, chair of MHC board of governors. “She has proven to be a champion for education and agriculture in southeast Alberta and we are pleased to recognize her with our institution’s highest honour.”
Neubauer has played a key role in the formation of the Agricultural Committee at the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce (now the Southeast Alberta Chamber) and has also collaborated with the college to develop a suite of courses through its Extended Learning department.
The board says contributions teach students about food production, farm operations management, problem solving and adaptability skills.
Neubauer says she is “profoundly honoured” to receive the honorary baccalaureate degree.
“For the past 20 years, thanks to the incredible support of my community, I have been empowered to fulfil my life’s purpose of teaching children where their food comes from and that agriculture is the fundamental connection to life,” says Neubauer. “I dedicate this recognition to those who have supported and believed in me along this amazing journey.”
Neubauer is also the recipient of the 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the winner of the 2020 Women in Business Inspire Award.
Neubauer Farms was established north of Irvine more than 110 years ago in 1910 and has been owned and operated by a member of the family ever since.
