On June 5, 2026, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology celebrated its 111th convocation by conferring 633 graduates in person and as many in absentia, welcoming them into the Olds College Alumni community.
The day's events included morning and afternoon ceremonies, with graduates being led in by the Indigenous Honour Song, performed by Singing Spirit from the Kainai First Nation. Greetings were delivered by Olds College President and CEO Dr. Debbie Thompson, Board Chair Al Kemmere, Honorary Degree recipient and President and CEO of Farm Credit Canada Justine Hendricks, Student Association President Anna Dow and valedictorian Madison McManaman. Each speaker's message acknowledged the hard work and dedication it had taken to reach that moment and offered wishes for future success.
Other noteworthy moments included O Canada, sung by Olds College graduating student Kytt Henry, and Métis fiddler Billy Joseph performing during the student recessional.
Honorary Degree recipient Justine Hendricks shared this message with graduates on the importance of careers in agriculture: "I have learned this is an industry that does more than contribute millions of jobs and billions of dollars to our economy. It's an industry that feeds families, builds communities and sustains a way of life."
Valedictorian Madison McManaman also delivered a touching address, encouraging her classmates to slow down and learn from their experiences.
"The world will always try to turn you into a 'Human Doing.' It will judge you by your productivity, your paycheque and how fast you can climb the next ladder. But I challenge you to stay a Human Being. Slow down. Enjoy this moment. Don't rush into 'doing' so fast that you forget the 'being.' Remember that failure has seven letters, but so does success."
Along with diploma presentations, including the announcement of Faculty Association and Alumni Association awards, recognition was given to Governor General's Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal recipient Carter Berg, a graduate of the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology who completed the Environmental Science and Technology diploma. A special honour was also bestowed upon Ian Morrow, Turfgrass Management & Golf Course Management instructor, who received the Presidential Instructional Excellence Award.
Each ceremony was, of course, "capped off" with a cap toss, much to the delight of all, closing out this momentous day.