$3,061,028
Total Donations to Lakeland College 596
Number of Donors 853
Donations Received
$3,589
Average Gift Amount
57 Alumni Donors
$1,184,569
Total Alumni Donations
As I reflect on the 2023-24 academic year at Lakeland College, I’m grateful for the support you’ve extended to our students.
Through your donations, you’ve provided a stable support system for students facing academic, financial, or physical barriers. You’ve built the foundation for our labs and learning spaces where they study.
You’re the inspiration that keeps our students going when they tire, and the balance that keeps them connected with friends, family and support networks while buried in their books.
You’ve changed the lives of our students who otherwise may not have been able to afford post-secondary education, or the wellness supports they need when it’s their first time away from home.
You’ve supported research initiatives that help our students test new ideas while learning important skills. You’ve carried our Rustlers to their games, fostering the lessons they learn on and off the court. You’ve helped our students learn through real-life scenarios, pushing them outside their comfort zones to help them grow.
Because of you, Lakeland students are not only able to pursue their dreams of higher education but are also prepared to transition seamlessly into the workforce as valued employees, trendsetting employers, and pillars within their communities.
On behalf of Lakeland and the countless students you’ve supported, thank you. Your generosity is the beacon that guides our mission and the inspiration behind our commitment to provide exceptional educational opportunities to all.
Thank you.
Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart PRESIDENT AND CEO LAKELAND COLLEGE
It’s the beginning of their second year in the crop technology program. Thirty-six opinionated students have found themselves in charge of the Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland (SMF) crop unit.
There are decisions to be made, hurdles to overcome and acres of crops to harvest. Weather, hail damage, and waiting for the crop to mature dragged harvest out longer.
Dealing with these real-world scenarios is a huge benefit of the SMF. Students go through an interview process handled by their peers to choose the leadership roles.
The SMF students work together to make all decisions.
“I’ve gained a lot more from the SMF than I was expecting coming into it,” says Emily Creusot, crop unit SMF assistant general manager.
The land, the seed, the fertilizer, and the equipment used to seed and harvest - you put that there.
The SMF is not merely an educational program; it is a testament to what practical, hands-on learning can achieve.
Faculty advisors on the SMF are there for support and guidance, but the decisions, in the end, are up to the students. “Our advisors typically will never say no to us when we are making a decision,” says Kristin Sardoff, crop unit SMF analysis manager. “They do ask us questions,
though, to make us think the decision through.” Students research their decision, creating proposals to prove their decision is sound. “They don’t shut us down as long as we have evidence to support what we want to do, how we should do it and hopefully, how it will play out,” Emily adds.
It instills in students a sense of ownership and pride; the knowledge that the land they till, the crops they grow, and the equipment they operate are theirs to manage.
This freedom to experiment, succeed, and occasionally falter, prepares our students for the uncertainties of the agricultural industry and life beyond Lakeland.
This extraordinary learning model thrives because of you, our donors.
You gave them the opportunity to leave the classroom, to get their hands dirty, to connect with industry, and to contribute to the legacy of the SMF – generations and generations of students putting down roots while becoming invaluable to the future of agriculture.
“It’s pretty awesome to be involved in an industry that cares so much. It all goes back to farmers feeding the world,” says Emily.
In the heart of winter, 160 students are gathered for an Atayohkewin, a cherished story telling ceremony.
Sitting on the floor, they share the Creation story with a pipe ceremony and a feast. It’s February and they’re indoors, but it’s the best way to connect with the Earth, to stay grounded. There is a story for everything known about humanity’s connection to nature, plants, animals, and why they’re valuable. It’s a sharing of the Indigenous worldview and knowledge systems, a way to step back from studying, exams and school and be part of Ceremony. They give protocol to the Elders for prayers for loved ones.
A lot of Indigenous learners coming to Lakeland may never have had the opportunity to connect with their cultural identity, and for others, it’s an opportunity to reconnect or stay connected. Ceremonies like the Atayohkewin and the stories they carry can serve as lifelines, connecting students not only to their past but weaving them into the fabric of their future ambitions and dreams.
Students are able to access learning, financial, cultural, and ceremonial supports as well as traditional medicines through Indigenous Learner Supports on campus. They participate in Ceremony and workshops that are culturally responsive, from blanket exercises to ribbon skirts and beading workshops.
It’s all done in the spirit of learning and growing. It’s about Indigenous learners connecting with their culture, finding the supports they need.
As a donor, you provide resources our Indigenous Learner Supports team needs to help Indigenous students find the support they need to know they belong. It’s a heartfelt acknowledgment of the importance of a student’s whole being – their history, culture and spiritual wellness.
Lakeland Rustlers won two Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships this season, capturing national titles in women’s volleyball and women’s basketball.
There’s a bus waiting outside of the gym and a hallway full of our student-athletes leaning against walls, doors and each other. They’re loud, and there’s a mess of travel pillows, gym bags and basketballs. Books are open for some last-minute studying.
The regular season is wrapping up and the women’s basketball team is about to board the bus and head to an away game, but right now they’re too busy teasing each other, scrambling to finish their homework and hyping each other up to think about basketball strategy.
You helped them get here. You powered the bus that took them to their game and home again and fed them on their journey. You provided the academic and wellness supports that kept them grounded and centered.
And in a few weeks, when they’re winning national gold on their home court, whether you’re one of the lucky 800 fans in the stands or watching the livestream at home, you’re there with them.
Cheering for them. Supporting them.
Our Rustlers set multiple records during the 2023-24 season. They won the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) women’s basketball championship at home and claimed their second consecutive CCAA women’s volleyball title. Additionally, they secured an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) gold in mixed curling and the Lakeland Apex Automation Rustlers women’s hockey team won an ACAC silver. Nine teams made their respective post-seasons and multiple programs had historical best finishes. The Rustlers also saw new highs in All-Conference athletes (23), AllCanadians and Academic All-Canadians (8) and Coaches of the Year (3).
It was a historic season for all of our Rustlers teams. They couldn’t have done it without you.
Lakeland’s mixed curling team pulled off a rare feat, winning a third straight ACAC title. The Rustlers defeated Red Deer Polytechnic 9-4 in the final.
48,833
kilometres travelled by Rustler teams during the regular season and playoffs
2
CCAA gold medals
3 ACAC gold medals
1
ACAC silver medal
1
ACAC bronze medal
With only a few hours’ notice, 21 emergency services technology students pack a bag, climb aboard our fire engines equipped with firefighting gear and equipment you helped purchase, and hit the road to travel to Entwistle, Alta.
It’s the summer of 2023 and it’s been a historic year for wildfires, so when Parkland County called for help, Lakeland students eagerly answered.
Our students are excited but nervous. Lakeland is all about hands-on learning, but this is taking it to another level. The wave of adrenaline carries them straight to the front lines.
Our students spend five intense and long days battling wildfires – putting out hot spots, fighting flames, working with Incident Command.
Seeing the destruction up close is an eye-opening experience, and it makes an impact on each of them. Working with each other and other departments reinforces the importance of teamwork.
They help where they can. While they know they’ve gained more than they’ve given, there’s no question they’ve made a difference.
And that’s because of you.
Our gratitude
From the equipment on their backs, the confidence they have from training at one of the best emergency training centres in Canada, to the wellness supports waiting for them back at campus, you’ve helped them make a difference during one of the worst wildfire seasons in Alberta’s history.
Thank you.
Employment skills enhancement program – 2024 class picture.
One of the most significant barriers to education is not academic — it’s access.
Access to basic needs, technology, transportation, and educational materials can be significant hurdles. Here, you play a crucial role. Your contributions provide more than just funds, they offer solutions to these barriers.
Beyond that, you provide books that not only serve as educational tools but become cherished possessions in our students’ homes, igniting a love for learning in their families too.
Your support echoes in their hearts and minds, reminding them that they are not alone on their educational path.
“Being at Lakeland College has built my trust that there are thoughtful people out there who are willing to help without hesitation. I just want to say a big thank you to you all. You are truly making a difference in our community, and I am extremely grateful for your support.”
- Jennifer RussellWhen you donate to support foundational learning at Lakeland, you send a powerful message to each student:
you believe in them. This belief is invaluable. It validates their efforts to learn, strengthens their resolve, and empowers them to pursue their educational goals with confidence.
The impact of your support is profound and far-reaching. Students who once saw insurmountable barriers now see opportunities. Where there was doubt, there is now determination. The foundational learning program, bolstered by your generosity, becomes more than an educational initiative—it transforms into a life-changing experience for many.
By investing in our students, you are investing in the future — empowering individuals to improve their lives, the lives of their families, and, by extension, the community as a whole. Your support fosters a culture of learning, growth, and resilience that extends far beyond Lakeland.
“I felt like I had a good chance of getting the gold if I did the best job I could. It’s a great experience, having all these people supporting me. I was nervous but also excited to be able to show what I can do again and challenge myself. It’s really rewarding to bring home a gold medal for Lakeland. I feel great.” - Tyler Bendfeld
At the heart of every student’s success story is support, mentorship, and resources that propel them to reach their full potential.
One such story is that of Tyler Bendfeld, a carpenter apprentice whose journey demonstrates the essence of donor influence on student success.
In the summer of 2022, Tyler returned from Skills Canada with a silver medal gleaming around his neck. Inspired to enter the carpentry trade by his father and spurred on by the encouragement from his instructors at Lakeland, Tyler was honoured to represent Lakeland and everyone in his carpentry classes at Skills Canada.
While Tyler was proud to win silver, it was merely the start of a year of determination, aimed at refining his skills to achieve perfection. His relentless pursuit led him to Skills Alberta again in 2023, winning gold, and setting the stage for another national appearance at Skills Canada. This time, he changed the color of his national medal to gold, a result of unwavering dedication and mastering his craft.
Tyler’s journey from a budding apprentice to a champion carpenter is a vivid illustration of how donor support
fuels student success. Donors like you, through your generosity, play a pivotal role in providing students with the resources, equipment, and facilities needed to hone their skills. You help to lay the foundation upon which students like Tyler can build their dreams.
The carpentry lab where Tyler spent countless hours perfecting his craft, the state-of-the-art equipment he used, the mentorship, coaching and support from instructors who believed in his potential, and the opportunity to represent his college on the national stage were all made possible through your support. Tyler’s story is a powerful reminder of the emotional and tangible impact donor support has on the lives of students. To every donor who has chosen to invest in the success of Lakeland students, Tyler’s victory is your victory.
Together, we are not just shaping futures, we’re building a legacy of excellence, one student at a time.
Rachael Sorochan is a second-year environmental sciences student, flourishing at Lakeland thanks to your generous support.
As the first person in her family to pursue post-secondary education, Rachael’s initial experience at a larger institution was challenging. Confronted with significant financial barriers, she tackled her studies while working 35-hour weeks to manage rent and tuition costs. Rachael was filled with anxiety about falling into debt. This heavy burden was too much, and she burnt out before her second year.
Rachael decided to give post-secondary studies a second chance, this time at Lakeland. Here, her academic and personal life has transformed due to the scholarships and bursaries she has received, courtesy of your generosity.
The influence of your contributions can be seen and felt across Lakeland. Students like Rachael, who once faced the daunting prospect of sacrificing their education due to financial obstacles, now harbor the hope and confidence to succeed. This transformation underscores the importance and impact of every single donation. That financial assistance, she says, has given her the gift of freedom. It’s the freedom to continue to care for herself, spend time with her family, pursue her hobbies and rest in between.
“It has given me the freedom to be inspired by the investment I am making in my wellbeing and my future. Those who contribute to scholarships and bursaries are making a profound difference and are giving students the opportunity to one day do the same,” says Rachael.
Your support can be the difference between a
student withdrawing and triumphantly walking across the stage at convocation.
Every gift, regardless of size, contributes to a legacy of opportunity, excellence, and resilience. Through heartfelt stories like Rachael’s, we are reminded of the irreplaceable value of each donation. Every scholarship and bursary serves as a lifeline of hope for students striving towards their dreams despite financial odds.
Lakeland stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to lift up bright minds and talented students.
Thank you for supporting education, igniting potential, and paving the way for a future filled with promise.
Georgina Altman
VICE PRESIDENT, EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
780.871.5785
Stacey Ruller, Class of 2003 MANAGER
780.853.8401
Penny Manners, Class of 1993
STEWARDSHIP AND ANNUAL GIVING OFFICER
780.871.5713
Leanne Wildeman, Class of 2001
DONOR AND SPONSOR ASSOCIATE
780.872.0735
Kayleigh Schmid, Class of 2011
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT & CAREER SERVICES SPECIALIST
780.871.5526
Jenna Pellerin
DONOR & SPONSOR ASSOCIATE
780.853.7009
Jordana Saskiw ADMINISTRATOR
780.853.8703