A milestone was reached at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology as we celebrated our 109th graduating class with a total of 939 graduates, our largest in history and the first time that convocation was split into two ceremonies.
The Ralph Klein Centre (RKC) was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as 470 graduates crossed the stage — 246 in the morning and 224 in the afternoon — and over 2,000 proud family members and friends in attendance. Another 2,000 guests joined the celebration over the live stream from around the world including India, Ecuador, Mexico, Columbia and more.
Convocation 2024 commenced with Constable Mitch Price, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Community Resource Office accompanied by bagpiper, Tyler Wallace, of the Innisfail Legion Pipe Band leading students into the RKC gymnasium, followed by enthusiastic administrators, instructors, platform party, executive leadership team, and the President of Olds College, Ben Cecil.
Greetings were brought by Al Kemmere, Interim Chair, Olds College Board of Governors; Earl Dreeshen, Member of Parliament for Red Deer-Mountain View; and the Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education for Alberta. Their presence underscored the importance of this occasion, highlighting the achievements of the students and the role of Olds College in fostering future leaders in agriculture and technology.
Students also heard sentiments for success from their peers, Anna Dau, Student Association of Olds College President and Valedictorian, Kenneth Murray, graduate of the Agricultural & Heavy Equipment Certificate program. Murray delivered a poignant and inspiring address, encouraging his fellow graduates to “go write your own story”. His words resonated with the audience, reminding everyone of the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
“Real world experience will always be the greatest teacher of all. And, because of that, I encourage you, on whatever path you decide to take, and wherever your road leads you, never stop asking the important questions and continue to challenge what is possible every single step of the way,” said Murray.
Dr. Ben Cecil, President, Olds College, took the stage to call for the graduates to contribute to a better future through innovation and community service.
“At Olds College, we aspire to create something bigger than ourselves through service to our communities in support of agricultural innovation. I invite you to join in kinship, as the Class of 2024, to take on the challenge of creating a future of opportunity and prosperity where conflict and starvation are replaced with peace and food-security for all,” stated Cecil during his presidential address.
Valedictorian, Kenneth Murray, graduate of the Agricultural & Heavy Equipment Certificate program.
The final element of the convocation program honoured our award recipients presented by the Olds College Board of Governors, the Faculty Association of Olds College, the Alumni Association, and the President of Olds College. Award winners included:
The ceremonies were framed by unique and heartfelt performances. The Ithka drummers from Mini Thni set a reverent tone with an Honour Song, welcoming the graduates as they prepared to cross the stage. Each ceremony concluded with a lively recessional featuring the talents of Métis musicians Watson Kaquitts and Watson P. Kaquitts on guitar and fiddle, leaving attendees with a memorable musical send-off.
As the graduates moved their tassels from right to left, the Ralph Klein Centre echoed with applause, cheers and a sense of accomplishment. The 109th convocation of Olds College was not just a celebration of academic success but a jubilant gathering of community, tradition, and the promise of a bright future.
Graduates and graduands can download their stage crossing photos with the password OldsColl24.