Tigers head coach and general manager Willie Desjardins speaks to more than 500 Medicine Hat College graduates during a convocation ceremony held at Co-op Place Friday. College officials and dignitaries also delivered speeches to graduates before they walked the stage to receive their diplomas.--NEWS PHOTOS BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat Tigers head coach and general manager Willie Desjardins shared his journey and experience as a hockey coach during an inspirational address to more than 500 Medicine Hat College graduates Friday afternoon during a convocation ceremony held at Co-op Place.
Desjardins was presented with this year’s honorary applied degree for his contributions in the community as a coach, mentor and advocate for education.
“Today is a testament, not just to the work you put in, but to strengthen your character and credit the potential you hold,” Desjardins told the hundreds of college graduates donning their caps and gowns. “The road ahead may not always be easy, but if there’s one thing I know for sure, it is that each of you is capable of greatness.”
Dejardins shared stories of overcoming challenges throughout his career as a coach, and reminded graduates to surround themselves with supportive people in their lives and never give up on their dreams.
“Remember to stay true to who you are, keep surrounding yourself with people who challenge you and who believe in you. And even when the world feels uncertain, and most important, never forget to do what you love, because that’s where magic happens.”
College officials and dignitaries also delivered speeches to grads, including MP Glen Motz, who challenged graduates to aim for good choices moving forward, even when it seems difficult at the time.
“I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the choice you have made to get to this point,” said Motz. “Some of them have been small but seemingly unimportant, others have been life changing. Each of your choices have influenced your personal growth, your skills and character and will continue to shape what your future will look like.”
Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA, encouraged graduates to embrace the uncertainty ahead and reminded them life is full of possibilities as well as challenges.
“Life isn’t a highway with clearly defined exits, rather life is more like a winning trail,” said Wright. “Sometimes the path is crystal clear ahead of you, other times, you’ll face unexpected forks in the road, and sometimes the trail will disappear entirely, and you’ll be forced to forge your own path forward.
“I want you to embrace this uncertainty,” said Wright. “Sometimes when all seems lost, it means you’re about to discover something truly extraordinary.”
Mayor Linnsie Clark extended congratulations to graduates from the city and emphasized the importance of celebrating academic achievements during a special day for everyone in attendance.
“When you’re celebrating yourself, remember all those challenges and failures that you experienced along the way,” Clark said. “The fact that you persevered through those challenges and got here today, that’s a success in itself.”
Following the series of inspirational speeches more than 500 college graduates in attendance were individually acknowledged on stage as they received their certificates, diplomas, bachelors, applied degrees and apprenticeships.
Graduates in attendance represented several fields of study, including the School of Arts, Science & Education, Health & Community Services and Trades & Technologies.
This marks the fourth consecutive year Medicine Hat College has held its convocation ceremonies at Co-op Place. The venue allows students to invite as many guests as they wish, as previously students could only invite two guests due to the lack of space in the college gymnasium.
The ceremony concluded with an Alumni Social with light refreshments. Last year more than 480 students attended the convocation ceremony at Co-op Place.
