MHC celebrates 60 years of service to Southeast Alberta
In the early 1960s, establishing a regional college in Medicine Hat was just an idea raised by the local school board, but by September 1965, Medicine Hat Junior College (MHJC) opened its doors to 97 full-time and 11 part-time students.
Registration day in 1965.
Originally housed at Medicine Hat High School, MHJC offered only university transfer programming in the areas of agriculture, arts, commerce, education, household economics, law, nursing, pharmacy, physical education, and science. Within the first five years, the name “junior” was dropped, certificate and diploma programs were introduced, the Conservatory of Music & Dance was established, and construction started on the present college site.
Fast-forward six decades to a thriving campus that welcomes over 2,000 students annually from across the country and around the world and offers 40+ certificate, diploma, degrees, university transfer, and apprenticeship programs in a variety of disciplines.
“For 60 years, we’ve served Southeast Alberta, proudly supporting students and celebrating the people and passion that make this region an amazing place to call home,” says Kevin Shufflebotham, president and CEO. “Growing a vibrant future with learners and our region - it’s why we’re here.”
While anniversaries are often a time for reflection, Medicine Hat College is firmly focused on the future, looking ahead to new opportunities that are learner focused and regionally aligned. In the next year alone, MHC will launch two new programs, expand dual credit opportunities with regional school boards, grow offerings in the field of agribusiness, and expand activity in applied research and innovation. A recent donation from the Yuill Family Foundation - the biggest in MHC’s history - will position the college as a leader in rural health education in Southeast Alberta.
“It is an honour to be part of Medicine Hat College’s story. We are grateful to those who have come before us and built a strong foundation for this institution. We are excited to embrace new ideas and possibilities that contribute to the vitality of our communities in the years ahead.
“Medicine Hat College will continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our region," adds Shufflebotham. "We invite our community to join us as we come together for a shared future.”
Visit www.mhc.ab.ca/celebrate60 for anniversary events, highlights and history throughout the coming year.