From the Archives: 1997 Convocation

Monday, Apr 26, 2021

More than careers take flight at 1997 Convocation 


The GMCC Students' Association knew it had found the most appropriate way to commemo­rate its 25th anniversary when it decided to adopt an injured eagle to be released at convocation.  

Besides the chance to return one of nature's finest specimens to the wild, the S.A. feels the release of the once-injured eagle to be sym­bolic of the college's ability to import greater freedom, opportu­nity and life skills to its gradu­ates.  

Photograph of an eagle being uncovered from a small tipi while a crowd watches in the background.


The release of the majestic bird of prey, named Mac after Dr. J. W. Grant MacEwan, also symbolizes the college namesake's high regard for the environment, and his desire to leave it better than he found it. Mac came to the Alberta Society for Injured Birds of Prey starving, half blind and suffering from a blow to the head - afflictions that could have easily ended the approximately 10 year old bird. An estimated life span of 40 years makes the work put into its recuperation that much more important. Specialists in this type of care, the ASIBP says Mac has since healed nicely and should be in fine form when it comes time to 'graduate' from the outdoor aviary to the forests of Alberta. 


Mac is scheduled to be released April 6 at Hawrelak Park and the association hopes as many as possible will be able to attend. (Sources: Intercamp, March 17, 1997, and 2017-02-14/40, Box 2 Folder 12) 


For other stories from our past, visit the University Archives