Drive-thru convocation at Medicine Hat college Friday, June 12, 2020

By Chantal Wagner

diploma pick-up

Drive-thru convocation for Medicine Hat College grads

Jun 12, 2020 | 2:37 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – After many hours spent on assignments, studying, and exams, nearly 550 Medicine Hat College students graduated on Friday.

They would normally get to walk across the stage at the Canalta Centre, but COVID-19 had different plans for this year.

Despite the change of plans, cheers of congratulations rang in the air today during Medicine Hat College’s convocation.

It was a different celebration this year.

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Grads picked up their diploma and cap in a drive-thru fashion.

It’s not what students imagined would have happened at the start of the year.

Including business administration grad Josh Hirsch who was there to pick up his diploma.

“But I’m just glad that we were able to do something and I’m here with my friends and everything so we still got to be together and celebrate so I’m thankful for sure.”

Fellow business administration grad Veronica Yeoman, says it was disheartening convocation was postponed but was glad the college could put on an event.

She says the dynamic of the school changed so much since mid-March.

“It was a shock because wake up the next morning essentially and don’t go to school, you didn’t get to say goodbye, you didn’t get to finish off classes or anything. So it was really just more shock than anything. My group of friends is really tightly knit so we text a lot, call, FaceTime, and whatnot.”

President of Medicine Hat College Kevin Shufflebotham says it was a year of transition for both students and staff.

But they adapted and made it a positive one, “These graduates pivoted, these graduates are absolutely incredible that they were able to convert from face to face to online programming so today we just wanted the opportunity to celebrate them.”

One year from now, 2020 grads have the chance to walk across the stage during the postponed ceremony at the Canalta Centre.

And both Josh and Veronica who are from Medicine Hat, plan on attending.

“I’m looking forward to actually have that moment to walk across the stage and actually have a convocation, convocation kind of thing, but yeah, I’ll be coming back next year for sure,” Hirsch said.

Shufflebotham says in the meantime, it’s important to celebrate, as it’s a huge milestone for students.

“So much fun today. They’re coming by hearing people clap and honk. One of the ladies that just went by had tears in her eyes she was so proud. This is such an important day.”

MHC faculty congratulate 2020 grads