Medicine Hat College to recognize Class of 2026 at convocation ceremony
Medicine Hat College (MHC) will recognize the achievements of the Class of 2026 at its annual convocation ceremony on Friday, June 12 at Co-op Place. Graduates will cross the stage in front of family, friends and the college community, with more than 740 students completing their programs and over 530 expected to attend.
“Convocation is an important milestone for our graduates and a celebration of the knowledge, skills and resilience they have developed throughout their time at the college,” says MHC President Kevin Shufflebotham. “We are proud of their achievement and confident they will continue to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.”
MHC graduates prepare to walk across the stage.
As part of the convocation ceremony, MHC will also honour this year’s award recipients, including:
- Honorary Applied Baccalaureate Degree: Dr. Reagan Weeks
- Governor General’s Academic Medal: Aiden King
- Student of the Year: Gabrielle Hales
- Instructor of the Year: Heather Stahl
The Honorary Applied Baccalaureate Degree is the highest honour that MHC can bestow. This year, the college recognizes Dr. Reagan Weeks, superintendent of Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) and a proud alumna. With more than two decades of experience in education, Weeks has dedicated her career to supporting student development and strengthening connections between K-12 and post-secondary learning.
Under her leadership, PRPS has expanded dual credit programming and introduced innovative, connected learning opportunities in areas such as trades, aviation and athletics. Through partnerships with MHC, these initiatives have created meaningful pathways for students, providing practical experience, and preparing them for success.
In addition to her work in education, Weeks is an active community leader, contributing her time to organizations including the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society and the Beej Project, which supports mental health education and community connection at the college.
The Governor General’s Academic Medal was created in 1873 to encourage academic excellence across Canada and is awarded to the student achieving the highest overall academic standing upon graduation. This year’s recipient is Aiden King, a graduate of the Information Technology program.
Throughout his studies, King maintained a 4.0 GPA and was recognized with the Louise McKinney Award Scholarship. His interest in computer science and programming was further strengthened through a co-operative education placement with Auto-Star Compusystems, where he gained valuable hands-on experience in software development.
Described as a dedicated and high-achieving student, King consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence in his studies. He will continue his education at the University of Lethbridge, pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science, with plans to build a career in software development or cybersecurity.
The Student of the Year award is presented to a student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and meaningful contributions to campus life. This year’s recipient is Gabrielle Hales, a graduate of the Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant program.
Hales maintained a strong academic performance throughout her studies and was actively involved on campus as a member of the Rattlers women’s hockey team and the MHC media team. Through these roles, she contributed to student life and helped share positive experiences within the college community.
Beyond campus, Hales dedicated her time to a range of volunteer initiatives and youth programs, reflecting a commitment to both community involvement and personal growth. Following graduation, she will continue her education at the University of Calgary in the Community Rehabilitation program.
The Instructor of the Year award recognizes teaching excellence and professionalism, as nominated by students. This year’s recipient is Heather Stahl, Academic Chair of the School of Business and an instructor in the Business Administration and Advanced Accounting programs at MHC.
With extensive experience in accounting and tax, Stahl brings practical insight into the classroom, helping learners connect complex concepts to real-world applications. She is a strong advocate for experiential learning, having established the college’s Tax Club and co-led the development of an internal accounting case competition.
Stahl’s supportive approach encourages students to build confidence, develop analytical skills and engage more deeply with their field. Students describe her as approachable, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in their success, creating an environment where learners feel prepared and motivated to excel.
Instructor of the Year, Heather Stahl, celebrates with a graduate during MHC's 2025 convocation ceremony.
MHC looks forward to welcoming graduates, award recipients and guests to Convocation 2026. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. at Co-op Place and will also be available via livestream at www.mhc.ab.ca/convocation.
Following the ceremony, graduates and their guests are invited to attend an alumni social on the concourse.