Baccalaureate | Dr. Megan Roberts

Dr. Roberts holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics (with High Honours) from Moody, a Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis (with Honours) from Wheaton, and a PhD in Christian Theology (Old Testament) from McMaster under Dr. Mark Boda. Her PhD thesis was titled “Remembering and Forgetting in Isaiah 40-55: Memory and the Problem of Comfort” which draws on sociological memory studies and trauma theory to argue that a shared memory framework is essential for the exilic Judeans to receive God’s restorative comfort and healing from exilic trauma. This research connects to both her teaching and work in the local church, “as we seek to be transformed into the likeness of Christ and as we seek to share that transforming Life with others who are broken and lost.”

Dr. Roberts joined the Prairie College faculty from Colorado in the summer of 2021 and quickly endeared herself to the student community through both her excellence in the classroom and her care for students’ lives outside of the classroom. She has been the recipient of the student nominated Graeme Crouch award in 2022 and 2023, and the student nominated Connie Kondos award in 2022, living out her teaching philosophy that “excellence in teaching content and pedagogy must flow out of the first priority of being a conduit of God’s love for my students. In this way students and teacher together pursue lives that bear the Kingdom’s good fruit.”

Dr. Roberts has had extensive experience in cross-cultural ministry contexts, having participated in two-dozen one-week mission trips to Juarez, Mexico, completing her university summer internship in Nepal working with Bible translation projects, and teaching for five years at the Logos International School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 

She is active in her church community leading music and preaching, hosting weekly women’s prayer group, and serving as a deacon, noting “My teaching vocation grows out of my rootedness in the local church as I recognize that the ultimate goal of my teaching and mentoring is to build up and deepen the Church wherever it might be found.”

Dr. Roberts also enjoys running, gardening, cooking, and a cup of coffee on a quiet Saturday morning. 

The class of 2024 is honoured to invite Dr. Roberts to present their baccalaureate address on their theme from Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”, a topic she has frequently discussed with them this year–being present so that we can encounter God.  

Commencement | Myles Hamilton

Myles Hamilton graduated with honors with a BA in Business Administration from Washington State University in 1984. His drive and vision have led him to become a successful business executive and entrepreneur.

 Upon graduating from college, he worked six years for Procter and Gamble in sales and marketing roles. Following his time at P&G, Myles moved on to become the Vice President of the Western Canada division of Frito – Lay or PepsiCo Foods for 15 years. After working successfully for Corporations, he decided to follow his dream and became an entrepreneur.  

 Myles has owned companies including Spitz Sunflower Seeds, Canada favorite Sunflower Seed brand and more recently was President of CanMar Foods. Canada’s largest processor of Food Grade Flax.  

 Myles serves as a Director of Verdex Capital (an Ag & Food VC ), and is just completing serving 9 years on the Board of Prairie College.

 Myles is an active member of Center Street Church in Calgary which is one of the largest Churches in Canada. He served on the Board of Center Street church for 9 years and has spent the last 10 years serving as the Chair of the Building Committee which just completed $60 million of construction with a new church in Bearspaw, and a 95,000 square foot addition on the main campus. 

 Myles and Corinne Hamilton will be celebrating their 40th anniversary later this year. They have 2 married adult children, Luke who is an actor living in New York City, and Carly who has her own Creme Puff bakery business in Calgary. 

Guest Speaker | Heather Dirks

Prior to her current role as Interim Dean in the School of Health & Wellness, Heather’s journey as a registered nurse began in rural public health.  She then transitioned to a manager of community health in Northern British Columbia where she had the privilege of working with communities in Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert.  Heather’s interest in education led her to complete her Masters of Nursing with a focus in teaching, and to a faculty position at Mount Royal University.  Heather was recognized for her contributions to nursing education by being honored with the MRU Distinguished Faculty Award.  Heather has extensive experience in leadership and has experience working with Indigenous communities and developing curriculum related to trauma informed care and Indigenous health utilizing virtual reality as an alternate form of assessment. With two decades of diverse experience in post secondary education, her career has been marked by a commitment to providing quality nursing education for both baccalaureate and diploma students.   

Wednesday, April 17th 

12:30PM | Overcomer Luncheon – Graduates first Alumni Luncheon.

Friday, April 19th

7:00PM | Community Choir Concert

Monday, April 22th 

10AM | Student Awards

Thursday, April 25th 

7PM | EP Showcase. 

Friday, April 26th 

1:30PM | Commencement Rehearsal. All graduates must attend.  

6: 00PM  | Grad Banquet and Baccalaureate Service.  Purchase tickets HERE

Saturday, April 27th

10:00AM | Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony. 

2:00pm | Commencement Ceremony 2024. 

4:00PM | Refreshments and Mingle.  

* All times are in Mountain Daylight Time. 

We are excited to celebrate with our graduates and their families at the Grad Banquet and Baccalaureate Ceremony which will take place Friday, April 26th.

• The Grad Banquet is open to all graduates and their families and friends, and includes a special celebration of the 4th year class during the Baccalaureate Ceremony.
• During this ceremony, senior grads will share about their time at Prairie, and we will hear from a speaker chosen by the bachelor graduates.  
• Doors for the Banquet will open at 5:30pm, with dinner starting at 6:00pm. 

Ticket Purchases

Please check the schedule above for our Graduation weekend.  **Note that all graduates must attend Commencement Rehearsal on Friday afternoon 1:30 – 3:30 pm**

Hotel Recommendations

Super 8 by Wyndham
403-443-8888
201 18 Ave N, Three Hills

Best Western Diamond Inn
403-443-7889
351 7 Ave NE, Three Hills

Lamplighter Inn
403-443-5919
1204 2 St N, Three Hills

Rest Easy Motel
403-443-2188
981 2 St N, Three Hills

Restaurant Recommendations

Prairie College Sanford Hanson Dining Hall

Breakfast – 7:30-9:00 am Lunch 11:30 am-1:00 pm 
Supper (Thursday only) 5:00-6:00pm 
(All you can eat buffet includes salad bar, main entrée, grill choices, pizza, dessert and drinks.  Ages 5 and under eat free.)

Bell 720 
403-443-5224
750 2 St N, Three Hills

Harvest House
403-443-7336
126 4 Ave N, Three Hills

E&W Restaurant
403-443-2388
1011 2 St N, Three Hills

Grad Invitation

Please share the Commencement link with your family and friends once it is published! 

Dress Code for Commencement

Ladies – dress pants or skirt, nylons and dress shoes.
Men – dark pants, dress shoes, long sleeved dress shirt, tie.
Nurses – may wear lighter colored clothing under the white gowns, nylons, and dress shoes (preferably white).
All Grads – Please carry a Bible. 

Grad Gowns

Pick up your cap & gown on Friday, April 26th in the Maxwell Centre – MX 101 Boardroom after grad rehearsal. Return your gown and hood by 5:00pm after Commencement to the MX 101 Boardroom. Please bring the hangers back, but the plastic wrappings do not need to be returned. If the gown and hood are not returned, you will be charged $100. The cap and tassel are yours to keep.

Caps & Tassels

To keep from blocking your neighbour’s face, please wear the cap so that the mortarboard is level. Please try your cap on ahead of time. If it comes too far down on your forehead, make a tuck in the cap with a straight pin so it will fit properly.

Removing Caps: Men are asked to remove caps for prayer, performing and speaking (leave it at your seat). Ladies may leave caps on.

Undergrad tassels will be on the right side before Graduation and moved to the left later in the ceremony when the President indicates.

Would you consider the chance to support the faculty and staff who have supported you on your academic journey?  Please donate to the Prairie Faculty Professional Development Fund.  This is how to give a gift. 

1. You can submit a Credit Card Gift. Go to the Donate, select the fund “Professional Development (Grad ’24) and complete your details. 
2. For check or cash gifts, mail in to Prairie College (address is in the footer)
3. There is an opportunity to give in person during the Commencement Ceremony or you can drop off to the Reception Desk in the Maxwell Centre.

Thank you so much for helping Prairie faculty and staff this year.