Final Royal Roads Military College Graduates Celebrate Legacy

The final graduating class of the former Royal Roads Military College (RRMC) will reunite at Royal Roads University from September 12 to 14, 2023. This gathering celebrates the 30th anniversary of their graduation in 1995, marking a significant moment for a class that produced numerous leaders within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

The class of 1995 consisted of 64 graduates, who have since played pivotal roles in various military operations, both domestically and internationally. Their service includes deployments to the Persian Gulf, East Timor, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. They have also responded to national emergencies, such as floods in Manitoba and storms in Ontario and Quebec, as well as wildfires in British Columbia and security for major events like the 2010 Winter Olympics and multiple G7/8 conferences.

Currently, 11 out of the original 64 graduates remain actively serving, including one general and one admiral. Kael Rennie, a member of the reunion committee, highlighted the impressive achievements of his classmates. “We’ve got guys that made it to the top of the game,” he stated.

This reunion is set to be the largest assembly of the RRMC Class of 1995 since the college’s closure in 1995, with over 30 ex-cadets already registered. The weekend will also feature reunions for other alumni from classes ending in years 0 and 5, enhancing the sense of community among former cadets.

Activities planned for the weekend include a golf tournament at Olympic View, a meet-and-greet at the 6 Mile Pub, campus tours, and a formal dinner. Special ceremonies are scheduled at Hatley Castle, including a mast ceremony and circle march, with a potential flypast from the Royal Canadian Air Force. A memorial bench will also be dedicated to honor two graduates who lost their lives in service: Miles Selby, a Snowbird pilot who died in 2004, and Juli-Ann MacKenzie, who perished during a search and rescue operation in 2002.

Rennie expressed his enthusiasm for the weekend, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with old friends. “Lots of pictures and reminiscing with folks that are going to take place over the weekend,” he noted. “It’s going to hopefully be a fantastic weekend.”

This reunion not only serves as a celebration of the past but also reinforces the lasting bonds formed during the years at RRMC, as these graduates reflect on their shared experiences and contributions to the Canadian military.