Dr. Bill Nyman

Bill immigrated to Canada in 1981 from the Netherlands, and after years of farming came to Prairie to pursue his BA in Pastoral Ministry.   He received his MA in Theological Studies from Briercrest Seminary and a PhD in Dogmatics from North West University in Potchefstoom, South Africa.

He began working full time at Prairie in 2007.  He enjoys teaching in the areas of research, apologetics and theology.  He is actively involved in Prairie’s Prison Ministry Program in Bowden and Drumheller, AB. 

Bill and his wife Connie live in Three Hills and enjoy their three children and five grandchildren.  In his spare time, Bill enjoys writing and reading, watching his grandson play hockey and cheering on the Flames (as futile as that may seem at times).

Dr. Nyman will speak at the Grad Banquet on Friday, April 28th, during the Baccalaureate, at the special request of the 2023 4th Year Graduating Students.

Damien Kurek

Raised in Battle River—Crowfoot, Damien is proud to have been elected to represent this constituency following the 2019 and 2021 elections. He is a fifth-generation farmer from the region and spent nearly a decade working seasonally in East Central Alberta’s Oil and Gas Sector.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Studies and Communications from Trinity Western University and a Diploma in Biblical Studies from Eston College.

Damien has been actively involved in conservative politics across Canada for much of his life, from having volunteered for countless campaigns, being involved in local conservative associations, campus politics, and was elected to the local EDA board of directors at age 16.

Prior to his election, he worked for the Hon. Kevin Sorenson in both Ottawa and Camrose and at the Saskatchewan Legislature in several policy, communications, and research roles while Brad Wall was Premier.

Since being elected, Damien has held several roles as part of Canada’s Conservative team. Currently, he serves as Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development and is a member of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics. He holds memberships on several Inter-parliamentary Associations, Parliamentary Friendship Groups, and is on the steering committee for the National Prayer Breakfast.

During his time in Parliament, he has become known for his passion for good governance, democratic accountability, and his advocacy for the rural concerns of his constituents. He has also served as Deputy Shadow Minister for Rural Economic Development and Broadband Strategy and was a member of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.

Damien currently resides near his family farm in Alberta’s Special Areas with his wife, Danielle, and three children: Matthew, Emerson, and Winston. He is actively involved in his local community, and church, and spends as much time as possible on the farm.

Mr. Kurek will bring the message during the Centennial Commencement ceremony, on Saturday, April 29th at 2:00pm.

Thursday, April 27th

7:00pm — EP Showcase, Kirk Chapel and Online  EP SHOWCASE LIVE

Friday, April 28th

1:30pm- 3:30pm — Commencement Rehearsal (all graduates must attend), Rick Down Athletic Centre 

6:00pm — Grad Banquet and Baccalaureate Service, Sanford Hanson Dining Hall (tickets on sale beginning of April)

Saturday, April 29th

10:00am — Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony, Parable Place and Online  PN PINNING CEREMONY LIVE

2:00pm — Commencement Ceremony 2023, Rick Down Athletic Centre and Online  COMMENCEMENT LIVE

* 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 28th.

• 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.Tickets are no longer available.   

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 Adult $9.00
Lunch 11:30 am-1:00 pm Adult $12.50
Supper (Thursday only) 5:00-6:00pm Adult $15.00
(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 28th 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 ’23) 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.