Valedictorian honoured to represent MRU
Business grad shows ‘quiet confidence’ and ‘intensity,’ prof says
Shannon Galley
Staff Writer
When David Ohreen nominated Rance Williams as valedictorian, he did so for one simple reason: Williams’ accomplishments must be “shared with the world.”
The nomination paid off as Williams has been named as the valedictorian for the fall 2011 graduating class.
“Rance has done more work here in four years than most students do in 10,” said Ohreen, a professor in the general education department at Mount Royal University. “He has a unique passion and was an easy standout for valedictorian.
Rance Williams is MRU's fall 2011 valedictorian.
“His accomplishments need to be recognized.”
Williams is a graduate of Mount Royal’s business administration program with a minor in business and society. He started at Mount Royal in 2005.
Ohreen has known Williams for about three years and taught him in environmental management and ethics and governance courses. He says the ethics and governance course is where he noticed Williams’ passions and interest.
“Rance shows a passion for making the world a better place and will have success wherever he goes,” he said.
Williams said that becoming valedictorian took good grades and lots of community involvement.
He has not only attended classes at Mount Royal, but has also been a very active member of the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University.
Williams said he was first attracted to Mount Royal by the applied degrees and small class sizes.
He finished classes back in June and is now working full time as a business analyst at Penn West Exploration in Calgary.
He started working there as a student, and was then offered a full-time job.
“It allowed me to show my value,” he said of working at the company as a student first.
Williams still has more educational goals. He is currently working on a project management certificate and is hoping to attend graduate school. He said right now he is focused on “gaining high-quality work experience” at his current position.
“I am honored that they selected me to address the Mount Royal community and say thank you,” Williams said.
To be considered for valedictorian students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, be a good public speaker, and be involved in the community at Mount Royal.
Ohreen was honored to nominate Williams as valedictorian and said he is “happy to be a small part.”
He said Williams was able to balance work, school, family and volunteering, and that “the balance is so impressive.”
“Rance has a quiet confidence and a bit of an intensity, which demonstrates his passion,” Ohreen said.
“I don’t take these nominations lightly, you really have to stand out on a number of different levels,” he added.
The convocation ceremony will be held on Nov. 4, 2 p.m., at the Mount Royal University triple gymnasium.
