It’s the end of a memorable chapter and a future filled with possibility for Selkirk College’s Class of 2025.
A spring tradition, Selkirk College Convocation 2025 celebrates graduates in all programs who have earned a credential that will power them onto careers that will bolster the communities where they live. The college’s mission to inspire generations of changemakers through relevant, inventive and sustainable education will be on display at the Castlegar Campus for the May 22 ceremony.
Two valedictorians have been chosen to represent their peers at the two different ceremonies—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—and deliver a farewell address for the Class of 2025. A time to reflect and share gratitude, Applied Environmental Science & Planning Technology Program student Charlie Murdoch and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program student Hannah Mounsey will do the honours this year.
To learn more about these outstanding students, we asked each valedictorian six questions about their time at Selkirk College.
Far From Useless, Adding Depth to a Canadian Education
Originally from Western Australia, Charlie Murdoch grew up in the remote, tiny town (120 people) of Useless Loop. It was a salt mine and also a World Heritage listed area, as there are stromatolites there which are some of the earliest signs of life. This is where a connection to nature really began as Murdoch spent so much time out in the bush and in the ocean.
Arriving to the Castlegar Campus in 2023 as a mature learner and packing a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics degree from Australia’s Curtin University, Murdoch embraced the opportunity to dive into their passion for learning.
“Charlie has strong academic skills and always attends class with an understanding of the topic at hand, and an independent and contrarian mindset,” stated an instructor who nominated them. “This adds life to the topic and our class discussions. Charlie’s perspectives always give way to a lively discussion and help to engage the rest of a class in a way that a lecturing instructor is not always able to.”
A straight-A student, the 33-year-old was an active volunteer in a variety of campus endeavours, including being an organizer and member of the college’s Pride Club, a founding member of the Audio Club, and an ongoing advocate for fairness and equity.
Six Questions with Valedictorian Charlie Murdoch
Why did you choose Selkirk College as your place of study?
I had been looking at taking an environmental science course at a college since moving to Canada in 2017. Once I moved to the Kootenays, I began to look into the programs offered at Selkirk College and was intrigued by the reputation of SEG (School of Environment & Geomatics), testimonials from past students, and the amount of time I would get to spend outdoors.
What impacted you the most in your time at Selkirk College?
I was lucky to become very close with my classmates and build community with them. I was anxious to go back to school as an older student and as a trans person, but I found that getting to connect with people over a shared love and passion for the natural environment was a great way to bond.
I was also really impressed by the commitment and dedication my instructors gave to decolonization. They were able to balance traditional science and support for Indigenous rights, knowledge and ways of being. This always seemed to be in the background of our courses and it immediately made me know that I was safe and able to show up as my true self in the classroom. The Indigenous Rights and Land Management course that I took was easily my favourite and I am so thankful to my teacher Melissa Dorey for sharing so much of her knowledge with us and for bringing in Elders and other community members to share parts of their story and culture. For me, this was a crucial perspective to be provided to a group of students who are pursuing a career working on the land.
With your new credential earned, what is your next step?
I don't know what area of environmental science I want to go into yet, so I am excited to be spending my first season as a junior forestry technician in the Kootenays. I am wanting to explore the many possibilities available in this industry and hope to find my niche. I have spent over a decade working in administrative roles and looking forward to just getting to be outside all the time.
How do you hope to make an impact on your community?
I have a strong sense of social justice and I hope to live true to those values and lead by example. By showing up as my authentic self, I hope to offer a safe space for people to talk about the big issues and have difficult conversations.
Everyone is on their own journey and we are all filled with biases. I am always trying to learn and unlearn my own biases and by acknowledging my own flaws and gaps, I hope to be able to influence thoughtful dialogue and self-reflection in others. I want to engage with all people, find that common ground, and make our communities robust, long-lasting, fair and filled with joy.
Any advice for those thinking about coming to Selkirk College or just entering post-secondary?
Just go for it and have fun! Listen to your body and do your best not to burnout early on, it’s a marathon. Find fellow students and instructors who are safe for you and talk to them if something feels wrong or unfair. There are many ways to learn, so try and figure out what works for you best and follow that, taking notes in a lecture doesn’t work for everyone and that is okay. Join a club, participate in a hobby with a group, and find a way to balance your workload with other things that fill your cup. Try to get enough sleep, though this is easier said than done!
What should the outside world know about the Selkirk College Class of 2025?
Hire us! There are so many smart, hard-working and dedicated graduates coming out of Selkirk College. Getting to experience a small college setting is great for building strong relationships and resilience.
Learn more about programs at Selkirk College.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.