LAKELAND COLLEGE
magazine
The countdown begins …
•••
… Centennial 2013
Spring 2010
www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni/
• • • ABOUT US • • • Alumni Coordinator: Darla Yonkman 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8628 Editor: Cathy MacKenzie Creative Design: Denise Allen
Alumni Pride (circ. 10,000) is published by Lakeland College’s Department of Advancement. Alumni Pride is also available on Lakeland College’s website at www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni. The Alumni Office distributes mailings, invitations and class lists. Anyone wishing to be excluded from certain mailings should notify the Alumni Office and ask to be placed on the “do not contact” list. Advertising Advertising in Alumni Pride is welcome. For rates and information, call the Alumni Office at 780 853 8628 or e-mail alumni@lakelandcollege.ca. Contributions Special thanks to all alumni who contributed to this edition of Alumni Pride. Letters, photographs and news are welcome. We reserve the right to edit contributions. Submitted photographs must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Please address all correspondence to the Alumni Office.
Publications mail agreement No. 40009099 Return undeliverable items to Lakeland College Alumni House 5707 College Drive Vermilion, Alberta, Canada T9X 1K5
1 800 661 6490 www.lakelandcollege.ca AlumniPride
Student Employment
LAKELAND COLLEGE
Job hunting made easy Looking to land a new job or recruit a Lakeland grad? Lakeland College Student Employment Centre can help. • Online services for alumni • Links to job banks • Industry websites • Online job search resources • Internship program information • Upcoming news and events
For more information call 780 853 8691 or e-mail student.employment@lakelandcollege.ca
Homecoming is no fun without you!
If we don’t have your current mailing and e-mail address, you won’t receive your invitation to Homecoming and other alumni mailings. Please share your contact information with the Lakeland College Alumni Office. E-mail: alumni@lakelandcollege.ca or 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8628.
It’s fun to be an alum!
• • • CONTENTS • • • First words
Lakeland College President
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Lakeland College Alumni Association
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Coming events
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College news
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Our graduates
Brent Baier ’05
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Rebbeca Stewart ’06
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Jodie Leslie ’96
10
The McKelvie Sisters ’09
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Edwin Othen ’07
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Pace profiles
Robert C. MacLeod ’89
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Derek Dedman ’09
15
Class notes
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Alumni this ‘n’ that
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Homecoming registration
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It pays to be an alum! Membership really does pay. People who are members of the Alumni Association will now find their Lakeland College affiliation to be even more advantageous. How can you benefit? • Discounts for children’s summer sports and theatre camps • Free admission to Lakeland College Rustlers Athletics games • Discounts on Rustlers annual golf tournament fees • D iscounts on Lakeland College apparel and memorabilia at campus bookstores
• Two-for-one tickets for Lakeland College theatre productions • Discounts on residence village and Alumni House room rates • Eligibility for children to win the Alumni Association Award when they graduate from full-time studies at Lakeland • Discounted insurance rates with TD Insurance Meloche Monnex For more details go to www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni/services
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• • • FIRST WORDS • • • Lakeland College President
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” While the words of Charles Dickens exaggerate two ends of the spectrum, they describe the situation facing students who want to attend post-secondary institutions including Lakeland. The provincial budget announced by the Alberta government in February has presented several challenges for colleges and universities by reducing the amount of funding that we will
receive to run programs and services for students. The resulting shortfall will have long-term implications if we do not begin to actively seek new avenues of funding so that we can continue to deliver high quality programs and educational experiences for students now and in the future. At the same time, as we look ahead to our centenary in 2013, these are exciting times at Lakeland. A number of bold and new projects are in the works in preparation for our centennial year. This fall, we will launch our Comprehensive Centennial Campaign which is specifically designed to meet the needs of current and future students and to engage alumni in the life of the college. New ways to keep you informed about what’s happening at Lakeland are also being launched. Lakeland alumni are now being e-mailed our bi-weekly newsletter, the Lakeland Link. The Alumni Pride will be transformed to a new e-magazine that will be e-mailed to alumni and available online. The
reduction of print and mailing costs will significantly cut costs and support our efforts to be environmentally friendly. A distinguished alumni award will be launched this year and will allow recipients to play an important role in college functions including convocation. We are also working with the Alumni Association to help you connect with one another and become involved as ambassadors of the college in your community and in your field. As you can see, there is a lot happening at Lakeland. I encourage all of you to visit our new alumni website at www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni to keep up with all the latest developments in alumni news, events, benefits and ways to remain an active friend of our college.
Glenn Charlesworth President, Lakeland College
Alumni Association Message
As the college’s alumni body grows, our focus has been to work with the college to engage more alumni. With more new graduates from a range of programs offered at the college’s two campuses plus the Emergency Training Centre, we have the opportunity to attract upwards of 3,000 new members. One initiative new this year is the creation of chapters under the Alumni Association. These new chapters will enable graduates of specific campuses, programs, student clubs and groups 2
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to establish new ways to reconnect with classmates and maintain an affinity with the college for life. Currently, chapters exist for students of the Vermilion campus, Lloydminster campus, trades and apprenticeship programs, firefighting and emergency services programs, and stockman’s club. If you’d like to create another chapter that will bring even more of your fellow alumni closer together, I invite you to please let us know. The Alumni Association can help you set up a new chapter and we welcome the involvement and enthusiasm of all Lakeland College alumni. We’ve also been working with the college’s Alumni and Fund Development office so that we can better relate to current needs and requirements of the college and students. Needs are changing and it’s important for us to understand them. I encourage everyone to attend our annual general meeting which will be held June 12 during Homecoming Weekend at the Vermilion campus.
It will be held in the gymnasium beginning at 10 am. We want to inject ways to attract new members, new ideas and new energy into our organization. We will also be discussing evolving requirements of our association and changes to our membership fee structure. Also during Homecoming ’10, we will hold a silent auction to support the operation of the association. If you have an item that would bring a reasonable bid, please make it available for auction. Be creative – pictures, equestrian tack, books, anything! Your contribution will make this event a big success. Your Homecoming invitation and registration form is in this issue of the Alumni Pride. It is also available on line at www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni. Please register early. See you there!
Bert Featherstone President, Alumni Association
• • • EVENTS • • •
Coming Events You’re invited! Homecoming ’10 June 11 - 13 • Vermilion Campus
Fun for all ages.
Bring the family! 3 on 3 basketball • Volleyball Slow pitch • Horseshoes • Golf To sign up call 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8744 Honoured classes: 1927-59 (50+), 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 Contact: Darla Yonkman 780 853 8628
Grande Prairie Social July 21, 2010 Contact: Alice Fortier ’51, 780 532 6662 or Eric Stamp ’52, 780 766 2464
Tofield Alumni Fun Golf Tournament July 22, 2010 1 pm tee-off time, Tofield Golf Course To register and reserve lunch call 780 662 3457. Contact: Ron Goeglein ’51 780 662 2116
Fall Alumni Rodeo Indoor Riding Arena Vermilion Campus Contact: Lee MacMillan, 780 853 8642
We’d love to see you! Tuesday j October 19 j Vermilion Campus Wednesday j October 20 j Lloydminster Campus
Lakeland Alumni Snowbirds snow•bird noun 1. informal a northerner who moves to a warmer southern state in the winter.
February 5, 2011 Westwinds RV & Golf Resort 9797 East 32 Street, Yuma, Arizona Social at 1 - 6 pm Dinner provided at 4 pm (BYOB) Contact to register: Ron Goeglein ’51 & Shirley Ward ’50 928 342 4578 Ron ’56 & Shirley Lindsay 928 342 4400
Homecoming 2011 Vermilion campus June 10 - 12, 2011
LAKELAND COLLEGE
2010
OPEN house
Vermilion Lloydminster
& career fair
Go to www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni for the latest event details.
Enjoy the charm & historical atmosphere Alumni House Vermilion Campus
Go to www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni/services/alumni_house for a virtual tour, room rates and booking information. AlumniPride
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• • • COLLEGE NEWS • • •
New
College logo rolls out this fall A new Lakeland College logo to be launched in September will officially propel Lakeland College’s countdown towards our centennial year. With a progressive look, the new logo communicates a feeling of free-flow and forward movement. It also incorporates the college’s name into the design. The new logo’s development began last spring. It was finalized after consultations with staff and students. The two-colour design will be displayed mainly in Lakeland’s primary colour palette of green, gold and red but will also have a secondary colour palette to provide schools some autonomy. The logo has also been incorporated into a new look for Lakeland College’s Emergency Training Centre. The Lakeland College crest will continue to have a place in Lakeland College’s graphic identity standards.
•••
Same digs, new address
5707 College Drive MyLakeland goes live Lakeland College’s new online self-serve portal MyLakeland will soon be expanded to alumni. Currently, MyLakeland offers students the ability to access their student records online to verify enrolment in classes, pay tuition and residence fees with a credit card, check grades and update personal information in real time – and on their own time. The service will be expanded this year to serve alumni and additional users who want to take courses online. 4
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Vermilion’s 47 Avenue has been renamed College Drive. The name change will make it easier for new students and visitors to find the college campus. A formal christening was held during Homecoming ’09.
•••
• • • COLLEGE NEWS • • •
Students receive international & provincial honours
Teresa Simon
Interior design student Teresa Simon placed third in a 2009 student design competition hosted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her work to create a bathroom design that maintained the historic ambiance of a 1910 home while adding modern conveniences placed third out of 119 entries submitted from colleges and universities throughout North America. She received a $1,000 prize from the NKBA and two tickets to the Kitchen/ Bath Industry Show 2010 in Chicago. Her win marks the eighth consecutive year a Lakeland student has received recognition in a competition.
Matt Spicer
For the third year in a row, a student who took apprenticeship technical training at Lakeland College has received a major award from the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. Matt Spicer received the Agricultural Equipment Technician’s Top Apprentice award for the 2008-2009 training year. The award is presented to the person who achieves the highest overall mark in their final period of training and receives a strong recommendation from their employer. Spicer received his award in Edmonton at a ceremony hosted by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board.
Veterinary medical assistant program starts this fall It’s new, it’s exciting and it’s the only program of its kind available in Alberta. Veterinary medical assistant begins this fall at Lakeland. Applications are being processed now. Graduates from this one-year certificate program will be able to work in veterinary clinic and hospital settings to provide animal care and assist animal health technologists and veterinarians. As an added bonus, graduates may ladder into the animal health technology program which opens the door to even more opportunities.
Pre-employment trades offerings expanded A total of six pre-employment programs will be offered at the Vermilion campus with the next student intakes to begin this fall. Pre-employment programs will include carpenter, electrician, heavy equipment technician/automotive service technician, instrument technician, steamfitter-pipefitter and welder. Pre-employment programs are a great way to learn entry-level skills and work toward becoming registered apprentices. Employers also like preemployment grads as they come on board with one-year apprenticeship training and specific industry-required safety certifications.
Lakeland College joins Project Hero program Throughout its history, Lakeland has supported wartime efforts. This year, it adds one more way to support military families. As a participant in the Project Hero scholarship program, Lakeland College will waive full-time tuition and residence fees to dependent children of Canadian Forces personnel killed since 2002 while serving in active missions.
Community support brings big smiles to little faces It was smiles all around as little people from the college’s Child Development Centre climbed aboard the newly installed playground equipment at the Vermilion campus last fall. Children use the equipment as part of their daily routine at the college daycare. To help cover the new equipment’s $18,000 price tag, the Vermilion Lions Club generously donated $7,500.
Company supports office administration program Staples Advantage surprised office administration students by announcing the creation of a program bursary and donating a laser fax machine and laser printer for the program’s model office. The new bursary will play an important role in helping students in financial need be successful with their studies. AlumniPride
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• • • OUR GRADUATES • • •
Gaming to Win Brent Baier ’05
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• • • OUR GRADUATES • • •
The idea came to him as he sat under a tree after a walk around campus.
actions with rapid speed and greater precision than with keyboard functions.”
It may have an uncanny resemblance to another discovery made centuries earlier, but that’s exactly where Brent Baier ’05 came up with the idea for the Peregrine glove, a wearable interface designed for electronic and Internetbased gamers.
He adds that the glove boasts features such as 30 touch point actions and easy-to-use software so that users can create their own custom configurations. It also has adjustable sensing so that users can calibrate the glove to their own hand size. All of which, says Baier, offers users better control and a greater chance to win.
Baier laughs. “It sounds funny but it’s true. When I went back to my room, I began scribbling sketches and jotting notes about how this idea could work.” Based on the glove’s success so far, this idea is undoubtedly set to revolutionize the gaming world and other industries. The Peregrine gaming glove was developed by Iron Will Creations Inc., the company Baier started in 2005 to commercialize the product. The company is headquartered at Lloydminster, Alta., and has offices in Palo Alto, Calif., and employees in Calgary, Edmonton, Texas and Ohio. Five years later, with contracts established with electronic gaming companies and the United States military, and in the works with retail distribution outlets, a simple idea has fueled the company’s speculated net worth into the millions – well on track to reach its market capitalization target of $1 billion over a five year period. Not bad for a 28-year-old from Macklin, Sask., who studied computer science at Lakeland College’s Lloydminster campus. So just how does the Peregrine glove work? Baier explains. “It’s a wearable interface that promises Internet-based electronic gamers a maximum gaming experience. With the touch of a finger onto the computer screen, glove wearers can execute
Although it’s initially targeted at computer gamers, the glove has application in the engineering, education, military, industrial and mobile computing industries as well. The glove is available for preorders online at www.ThePeregrine.com. It will hit retailers’ shelves late in 2010 and be distributed primarily through electronic retail stores such as Best Buy. The first shipment is scheduled to go to over 20 countries including Canada, the U.S., Germany, China, Japan, the U.K. and India. Since the Peregrine glove was unveiled at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show in January 2010, it has captured the attention of the electronic world including the media, gaming companies and users alike. It has been featured on major international media networks such as ABC and CBS, in publications such as PC World, New York Times, the Financial Post, Business Week and Forbes magazine, and in online resources such as Yahoo Tech, AOL.com and Wired.com.
“My older brother does prototyping and product development. My wife also works with the company. All of my staff, investors and stakeholders are very important and valued.” Baier is also thankful for the lessons he’s learned from others in the technology industry, particularly those who encouraged him to take the idea and develop it further instead of selling it to someone else. “The decision to take this course of action was probably the most defining moment in my life, and one that has made the biggest difference in terms of personal reward and satisfaction,” says Baier. “By taking this path, I’ve had the opportunity to discover my talents, increase my sense of responsibility to others, and stretch further to try things that were previously not visible.” Baier says his connections to his hometown and childhood experiences also help him stay grounded. He enjoys hunting and fishing and vows that one day, he will claim the title of Macklin’s bunnock champion. In the future, he’d also like to encourage others to pursue their own dreams and passions by serving as a motivational/leadership speaker, an author and a filmmaker. As a young alumnus who personifies Lakeland College’s motto of ever to excel, Baier will certainly have a message worth hearing.
“All of this has grown to be much bigger than I could have ever imagined,” says Baier. But despite all the media hype and whirlwind trips to New York, California and beyond, he remains true to his core values of honesty, faith and family.
www.ThePeregrine.com AlumniPride
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• • • OUR GRADUATES • • •
Future by design Rebecca Stewart ’06
Photo by Tyler Stewart
A section of the renovated Mano’s restaurant designed by Lakeland alumnus Rebecca Stewart 8
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Photo by Craig Leontowicz
Lakeland alum wins 2009 Premier’s Design Award of Excellence As a high school student drawing up career plans, Rebecca Stewart ’06 wasn’t certain about what a career in the interior design technology field would entail. After enrolling in Lakeland College’s interior design technology program, she soon discovered a passion for design. Now a working professional, Rebecca’s most recent accomplishment indicates that she’s building her career on a solid foundation. In October, Stewart, an interior design technologist with Stantec Architecture Ltd. in Saskatoon, was awarded the distinguished Premier’s Design Award of Excellence in the category of Interior Design to share with colleague and project partner Jackie Hoeppner. The award was announced during Design Week ’09, a week-long biannual celebration hosted by the Design Council of Saskatchewan that involves design professionals to educate the public and promote design excellence. The dynamic design duo of Stewart and Hoeppner earned the award for a modernization project of Mano’s, a restaurant in Saskatoon which had an interior dating back to the 1980s. Involving the clients in the process, the design team developed a design concept that encompassed their wants and needs for a modernized space. As a result, the project evolved into a full-scale renovation that improved functionality, accessibility and aesthetics. “It became apparent that the owners’ objectives for the project were really four-fold,” explains Stewart. “They wanted to update the restaurant’s image so that they could attract
younger patrons but still maintain its 50+ year old clientele, showcase its extensive wine collection and create an efficient layout to improve functionality and accessibility while maintaining occupancy during the construction process.” With priorities nailed down, the pair set to work to develop a design concept that boldly integrated the elements of earth, rain and fire. “We thematically applied classic materials, dramatic details, effective accent lighting and created a striking sunburst ceiling and sparkling crystal rain feature in the dining area,” says Stewart. “The fire element was to immediately become apparent upon entry and form part of the edgy lounge design. In the interests of sustainability and client wishes, we also managed to retain the original rustic stone and water feature already in the restaurant and integrate them into the new earthy palette and modernized design. The result really set a new standard of quality for the restaurant and lounge.” With the Premier’s Award added to an already impressive portfolio, Stewart is helping to establish a high level of credibility in the design field which benefits both the profession and the public. “There’s some very cool stuff happening,” says Stewart. “It’s great to have a province-wide event like Design Week to promote design. The awards and entries submitted say a lot about the quality of work. There is a great degree of high quality work going on and it’s exciting to see the public as well as professionals getting involved
and wanting to be a part of it, and most of all, wanting to go forward and do even better work. That really helps to push that envelope to be even more creative.” Stewart joined Stantec as a full-time interior design technologist in 2006 soon after completing a practicum placement as a Lakeland College student. She recently wrote and passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam to become a registered interior designer as well as the Leadership in Environmental & Energy Design for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) exam to become an accredited professional in sustainable design. She is also an active member of the Interior Design Association of Saskatchewan. A home grown Saskatchewan girl, Stewart is a strong advocate of Lakeland College. “Lakeland’s program opened so many doors that otherwise would have been unknown or unavailable to me,” says Stewart. “I have great memories of Lakeland. We spent an exponential amount of hours in the studio, but the accomplishments, positive energy and strong relationships that we made with each other made it all worthwhile. Our faculty’s teaching abilities of design fundamentals and skills also continually helped us to raise the bar.”
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• • • OUR GRADUATES • • •
From hobby horses
If you were at the Edmonton Eskimos football game Sept. 9, 2009, that big voice you heard belting out the national anthem in Commonwealth Stadium came from none other than Lakeland alumnus Jodie Leslie ’96. Leslie (then known as Jodie Greschuk) graduated from Lakeland College after completing the western horsemanship program. Since then, she has had to rein in her equine interests to actively pursue a full-scale music career. Singing in a 60,000 capacity stadium is a far cry from Leslie’s early days when her audiences were horses, cattle,
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goats, dogs and cats. As a child, Leslie began singing with her sister on her family’s farm near Innisfree, Alta. It wasn’t until her teenage years she realized the potential of her own vocal ability and began taking professional voice lessons. Since then, Leslie has been playing concert stages with her band, July, and as a solo artist opening for a number of high profile artists including Allanah Myles, Trooper, Lee Aaron and Harlequin, as well as doing back-up vocals and recording her own music. Last summer, she opened for Bryan Adams in Edmonton which she says was a big honour. “I’m a huge Bryan Adams fan and he’s had such an influence on me and my music,” says Leslie, noting she’s been to many of his concerts. Among her other influences, Leslie cites several artists including Keith Urban, Corb Lund, Jewel and Bruce Cockburn. Leslie’s own diverse music style ranges from rock and roll, to easy listening, contemporary, pop and funk. Her voice is described as having echoes of artists such as Bonnie Rait, Ann Wilson and Annie Lennox. “I love diversity and being able to bring in my own sound,” says Leslie. “With my band, July, we have a more masculine rock and roll sound,” says Leslie. “But as a solo artist, I have the freedom to bring my own sound and explore other emotions that carry with them a sense of femininity and vulnerability.” Because she tours regularly, Leslie has cultivated a loyal following. Her first album, Resonant Frequency, was released in October 2008 to a sold out house. It appeared on the Top Twenty list for album sales on Rawlco Radio Canada. The album features a pop/ adult contemporary sound with a mix
of original songs and fresh new cover versions. It received favourable reviews from the music industry including Sony ATV Nashville. With her music career often taking Leslie to locations throughout North America including Toronto, Calgary and Los Angeles, and with her recent projects at home in Edmonton, she has little time to do much else. Currently, she’s writing new material for her next album which she hopes to have in the works later this year. This time, says Leslie, the material will be very upbeat with a pop-rock sound. “That country edge will still be there because I like to incorporate instruments such as the dobro, mandolin and banjo into the songs,” she explains. Last fall Leslie worked with Mark Beaudin as a guest vocalist on his latest funk/jazz album which will also feature jazz icon P.J. Perry. It is scheduled to be released in 2011. She also is doing work as a songwriter and vocalist for projects based in Los Angeles – but she’s able to do these without ever having to leave her Edmonton recording studio. “I record the track in my studio and then send the files out. It’s all done by e-mailing music files,” adds Leslie. This summer, Leslie hopes to spend some time travelling while doing a summer festival tour with other female artists. But despite all of her success, Leslie remains a small town girl at heart who enjoys a plateful of homemade perogies – just as anyone would with Ukrainian heritage in their veins. She says that since her days at Lakeland, her life’s journey has been an incredible ride, with lots more in the works.
• • • OUR GRADUATES • • •
to concert stage
Jodie Leslie ’96
“I’ve done a lot of things after my Lakeland College experience including working in Austria at a training stable and designing saddles,” says Leslie. “But some of the best lessons that I learned at Lakeland came from my relationships with fellow students and instructors.” She specifically notes Bill Conrad, an instructor at Lakeland who retired last year, as having a major influence on her. “In his own quiet manner, he just had a way of getting the most from his students and horses. He promoted confidence and growth,” says Leslie. “In fact in my house now, I still have a sketch that I received while I was at Lakeland. It was drawn by another student and portrays a cowboy with his horse with the caption, ‘Trust him a little.’ “To me, that picture says so much. In our own relationships, we help promote growth and confidence when we give someone a little free rein. Freedom and trust help make relationships stronger.”
A bright light on the Canadian music scene, Jodie Leslie is hitting several high notes with her music career.
To learn more about Leslie, go to www.jodieleslie.com
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• • • OUR GRADUATES • • •
The McKelvie sisters
McKelvie sisters Sheena ’09, Krystal ’04 and Lacey ’09 with their parents Al and Jean. Krystal’s husband, Troy Nordick ’03, is also a Lakeland alumnus.
A genetic link in agriculture For Krystal ’04, Sheena ’09 and Lacey ’09 McKelvie, you could say agriculture is in their genes. Raised on a cattle ranch near Prince George, B.C., with their parents Jean and Al McKelvie, all three sisters are alumni of Lakeland College and well on their way to promising careers in the agriculture industry. “Agriculture is a way of life,” says Krystal, the oldest of the three siblings. “Growing up on a farm has shaped our values and has helped define who we are. We’ve had so many positive experiences tied to the agricultural sector it just made sense that we pursue careers in the agricultural field. It’s a natural fit.” 12
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With a sizeable male population making up the employment statistics in the agricultural industry, the McKelvie sisters are bucking the trend. Krystal is an agribusiness consultant with CMI Terminal JV in Naicam, Sask., Sheena is a sales agronomist with Webb’s Crop Services in Vermilion, Alta., and Lacey is active in horsemanship circles and was recently taking classes in Texas with Martin Black. She plans to spend the summer training horses when she returns to Alberta. “The agricultural sector is so diverse with many career options,” says Sheena. “As Lakeland grads, the experiences, skills and knowledge we acquired – especially with the college’s
Student Managed Farm – will enable us to be leaders in the field.” As sisters, what does it mean to be alumni of the same college? “It’s very unique. Our time at Lakeland has given us many great memories and common experiences that we will be able to share and enjoy with each other now or 20 years from now,” says Lacey. “That’s a pretty special legacy.”
• • • OUR GRADUATES • • •
Edwin Othen ’07 As a six-year old, Edwin Othen ’07 dreamed of being a waiter. However, his most recent distinction at university will undoubtedly steer his career along a more scientific route. Othen, who transferred to the University of Alberta after taking university transfer courses at Lakeland College, was named to the Golden Key International Honour Society after finishing in the top 15 per cent of students in the university’s faculty of science. The prestigious honour affords Othen special privileges and access to graduate schools, scholarships, resources and employment opportunities exclusive to society members. “When I received the letter in the mail, I was totally shocked,” says Othen. “My mom was freaking out.” Othen is currently at the U of A, Augustana Campus. His career goal is to become a medical researcher in the biochemistry field. A self-proclaimed “science geek,” Othen says he will always be thankful for the support he received from Lakeland College faculty who supported him during his time as a student. “No matter how stressed out I was, they always had a way to turn my feelings around. They made me feel like a million bucks.”
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• • • PACE PROFILES • • •
PAC
Service a long-time hallmark for McLeod Honourable Robert C. McLeod ’89 2010 PACE Nominee for Distinguished Achievement Old habits are hard to break. Robert McLeod ’89, a graduate from Lakeland College’s carpentry program at the Vermilion campus, has always demonstrated the spirit of service and commitment for the betterment of others. Prior to attending Lakeland College, McLeod had been doing carpentry jobs for some time but lacked the formal training and official certification to become a journeyman carpenter. With the goal of obtaining the proper trade certification, he relocated his wife and young family of three children from Inuvik, NWT, to Vermilion, Alta., where he completed his training and earned a journeyman carpentry certificate and an interprovincial Red Seal at Lakeland College. With the personally-held belief of serving others, McLeod has always been motivated and driven to make a difference in the lives of others and in his community. Returning to the Northwest Territories after attending Lakeland College, he put his community-service
minded attitude into action and began working as an apprentice carpenter with Aklavik’s Department of Public Works, and later as maintenance carpenter and maintenance supervisor with the Aklavik Housing Association. He also served as maintenance manager for the Inuvik Housing Authority. McLeod’s growing commitment to public service soon led him to municipal government. In 1983 to 1985, he was elected as a councillor in Aklavik, and later in 1987 to 1989, as Aklavik’s mayor. His political career turned to territorial government affairs and in 2004 he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. He currently holds the following portfolios: • Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs • Minister responsible for the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission
• Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation • Minister responsible for Youth As a volunteer, McLeod has served his community in various capacities. He was vice president of the Inuvik Curling Club and president of the Aklavik Canoe Club and Aklavik Curling Club A community-minded sports enthusiast, McLeod has been a player, coach and manager of the Aklavik hockey and fastpitch teams. He was a recipient of the NWT Volunteer Award and the Good Neighbour Award. Using his trades certification from Lakeland College as a springboard into a career path that aims to serve and improve the lives of others, McLeod has become a role model, community steward and true ambassador for Lakeland College and his local community, territory, national and international peers.
•••
Provincial Awards Celebrating Excellence (PACE) The PACE program was introduced in 2002 by the Council of Board Chairs, the Council of Presidents, and the minister of Alberta Learning as a platform for acknowledging: 1. The social and economic contributions made by graduates of Alberta Public Colleges and Technical Institutes to the fabric of Alberta. 2. T he role of Alberta Public Colleges and Technical Institutes in creating a positive learning environment for learners. Nominate Your Leaders We encourage you to nominate one candidate in each of two categories: 1. Distinguished Achievement: A living alumni (an individual who graduated more than seven years ago) who has earned distinguished career success and who has modeled leadership and community service. 2. O utstanding Alumnus: A recent graduate (within the last seven years) who has been formally recognized with a national or international honour, major championship or appointment to high office.
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Contact the Alumni Office for more information.
CE
• • • PACE PROFILES • • •
Dedman scores in Top 10 for national CFP exam Derek Dedman ’09 2010 PACE Nominee for Outstanding Alumnus
Achieving top marks at the college level is a noteworthy accomplishment but to score in the top ten on a national professional certification exam, that’s in a league of its own. On the June 2009 adjudication of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam, Derek Dedman ’09 scored among the exam’s top 10 finishers across Canada. The result is a remarkable achievement. Only 409 of the 1,029 people who wrote the exam passed. For Lakeland, Dedman is also its first alumnus to place in the exam’s top 10 rankings and to make the CFP’s President’s List. Originally from Regina, Sask., Dedman attended Lakeland at the Lloydminster campus. He was a member of the Rustlers men’s volleyball team and had a young family with a new baby back home. His academic achievements
included a spot on the Dean’s List in 2008 with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, and an academic award from the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference in 2007. Leanne Sauer, a business instructor and practicum coordinator for financial services students, says she’s not surprised Dedman achieved such a high standing on the national professional certification exam. “As a student, Derek’s abilities and strengths were evident to everyone who had the opportunity to work with him,” says Sauer. “He worked very hard, was a good role model and was very personable and respectful to instructors and fellow students.” Others in the financial services industry also noticed his potential and abilities. Last spring while on practicum, he
Centennial on display Share your items from days gone by for a memorabilia display in honour of Lakeland College’s upcoming centennial. Call the Alumni Office at 780 853 8628 or e-mail alumni@lakelandcollege.ca for details.
A picture’s worth a century of words From our early days as VSA, VAVC and VC, Lakeland College has a century’s worth of memories. Share your favourite picture or story by sending it to the Alumni Office, 5707 College Drive, Vermilion, Alberta, T9X 1K5 or e-mail alumni@lakelandcollege.ca.
was recruited for a financial planner position with the Royal Bank where he remains today. While Dedman keeps a level head with his recent accomplishments, he says that his time at Lakeland College helped prepare him in many ways for his future. “I know that I owe Lakeland College a lot,” says Dedman. “Without the support of the college’s instructors and staff, I would not have been as successful on the exam. Lakeland College did an exceptional job to help me to prepare for the exam and for my career. Coming to Lakeland was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
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Yearbook flashback Yearbooks from the following years have been lost but you can make sure the memories aren’t! Donate your yearbook to the Alumni Office library and preserve your time forever! Yearbooks from the years noted are needed:
1928 1931 1932 1934
on another note… Can’t find your yearbook from 2000-01 or 2001-02? For reasons unexplained, the Students’ Association had “mailing list difficulty” for these years so if you completed a program at the Vermilion campus, you may receive a free yearbook. To get yours, e-mail jean.peelar@lakelandcollege.ca. AlumniPride
1975 1984 1985 1992
1994 1997
• • • CLASS NOTES • • • Raymond ’78 and Brenda Paré ’79 hosted 24 Lakeland students in the conservation and restoration ecology and crop technology programs at their farm in February 2010 to give them a firsthand look at their seed business operation. The Parés have hosted Lakeland students for field trips for more than 15 years. Their daughter, Karla ’06, is also a Lakeland alum.
Lakeland alum John Morris ’06 and Ben Hebert ’05 did Canada proud as part of Team Canada with their gold medal victory in men’s curling at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. You rock! Wallish Greenhouse, owned and operated by the family of Charlie Wallish ’51, reached a near-centennial milestone of its own recently. The greenhouse located near Sherwood Park, Alta., celebrated 90 years of business in May 2009. Charlie’s parents opened the business in 1919. His daughter and son now run the business. Charlie and his wife, Nellie, continue to work at the greenhouse each day. Congratulations to Mel Clark ’67 of Gibbons, Alta., for his induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame. The honour recognizes his 45 years of service as a provincial 4-H club leader and as a member of the provincial 4-H council. Congratulations. Congratulations to Shelley Howe ’70 who married Alex Liddle on June 21, 2008. They reside in Leduc, Alta. Bert Journault ’70, is working hard to get many of his classmates to attend Homecoming ’10. He currently resides in Jasper, Alta. Bert enjoys hearing from all Lakeland alumni who come to visit or live in the mountain community. Rosin your bow and strike up the band! Allan Zukiwski ’70 encourages all musically-inclined alumni to bring their instruments to Homecoming 2010 for a jam session. What song would Allan like to play? Ian Tyson’s Four Strong Winds.
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Happy 60th birthday! Lakeland alum Russel Kulyk ’70, Richard Ferguson ’69, Birthe Ferguson, Jean Boxer, Eva Dodds ’70, Ken Stauffer ’69 and Ken Dodds ’71 held their birthday celebration at the farm of Margaret ’69 and Richard Nydokus ’70 near Mannville, Alta., last summer. Climbing aboard an old buggy at the Nydokus’s farm are all the birthday girls and guys.
Christine (Karwandy) Conacher ’71 tried her hand at firefighter duty during a visit to Lakeland College’s Emergency Training Centre in July 2009. She currently lives in Toronto, Ont., and was in Vermilion last summer to visit family and friends during fair week. Christine’s sister, Cecily Bardoel, works at the Emergency Training Centre. Cathy McAnally ’88, Trevor Ross ’86 and Holly Schoettler ’06 put their town of Humboldt, Sask., on the map as they led their community’s charge as finalists in the Kraft Hockeyville Contest in February 2009. The town finished in second place with 1,810,100 votes, just behind the top-placed finisher of Terrace, B.C. Humboldt was the only prairie city in the final round.
After conquering a fear of bungee jumping, Jasmine Pelletier ’98 leapt at the chance to win a six-month job at the Great Barrier Reef in the Best Job in the World contest. Even though her video entry didn’t make the list of finalists, she enjoyed the experience. Jasmine has had a number of adventurous opportunities since graduating from Lakeland including a month-long safari in Africa. More great trips are on the horizon including a trip to Australia. Looking for a piece of paradise for your next siesta? Debra Old ’88 has the perfect solution. Check out her bed & breakfast oasis at www. haciendaesperanza.com. Lakeland alumni are especially welcome!
Be a fan
• • • CLASS NOTES • • •
Several Lakeland alum cycled in the Ride to Conquer Cancer held in June 2009 including Karin Wipfli ’95 and Kim Marchand ’93. Karin now lives in Lac La Biche and Kim lives in Calgary. They are also former college staff and despite living miles apart, they are still best of friends. They are pictured above with Lakeland associate dean Mark Butler who also completed the ride. Amy-Noelle Fokkema ’07 also participated in the 200 km two-day ride which begins in Calgary and travels along the Foothills region of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Kim Seward ’00, husband Shane Klumph and son Rory welcomed their newest little addition, Codey, to the family Sept. 16, 2009. They currently live in Edmonton, Alta. Codey and Rory’s grandma, Merle Klumph, is the college’s institutional reporting officer.
Congratulations to Les Karpluk ’07 who received the Full-time Career Fire Chief of the Year award during the 2009 Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) annual conference in Winnipeg, Man. He is currently a facilitator for the college’s bachelor of applied business: emergency services online program. Congratulations to Stacey Gross ’04 and Vinessa Currie ’05 who were finalists for the Rookie of the Year Award from Tourism Saskatchewan for the best new entrepreneurial business. The dynamic duo own and operate Clear Water Canoeing. Check it out at www. clearwatercanoeing.ca.
Jitesh Haria ’00 and his wife, Komal, are proud parents of their first child, Dhirr, now a busy toddler. Jitesh operates a few businesses including Wild Escapes and Outdoor Travel Gear which can be found online. He’s thinking about organizing a reunion of his classmates during the summer of 2011 so if you’d like to get together, track Jitesh down!
Lacey Malka ’03 and Adam Teasdale ’02 & ’04 celebrated the birth of their second son Feb. 25, 2009. Jack Edward weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs. A new little brother for Will.
at facebook.com Join Lakeland College Alumni on facebook Connect with friends, make new ones.
Blake MacMillan ’01 came back to roost at Lakeland in the fall of 2009 as the college’s farm manager. Before returning to the college, he worked at 32 Ranch at Lloydminster and managed Soo Line Cattle Co.’s beef operation. Soo Line is one of Canada’s largest purebred operations with a significant size commercial beef herd. Blake and his wife, Heidi, have two small children. Dawn Brindley ’09 dropped by her alma mater in the fall of 2009 to speak to first-year child and youth care students about her new career as a corrections service worker at the Young Offender Centre at Edmonton. Dawn, originally from Goderich, Ont., decided to stay in Alberta after being offered a full-time position after she completed a five-week practicum placement at the YOC.
Rodney Dyck ’08 and Steward Dyck ’08, who together help run their uncle’s farm in Belize, were paid a visit by Lakeland staffer Crystal Jackson in the summer of 2009. For a glimpse of the visit, go to www.lakelandcollege.ca/ blog.
The always entertaining and alumnifilled band Wild at Heart welcomed yet another Lakeland alum to the group. Karen Fawcett ’96 now sings with alum Greg Plant ’82, Reid Bergman ’81 and other band members Dean Erickson and Dennis Gerik. Barry Sherwood is also with the group as live sound engineer. Greg and Barry are Lakeland staff. Kevin Penston ’05 is doing well with his eco-tourism company Pure Mountain Adventure. The company offers clients intimate tours in national and provincial parks located in the Canadian Rockies and Kootenays including Kananaskis, Banff, Lake Louise, Fernie, Kimberley and beyond. For a breathtaking experience, go to www.puremountainadventure.ca.
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• • • THIS ‘N’ THAT • • •
Lakeland alum gifts college with a rad roadster What was once a souped up dream car of a 16-year-old is now the latest gift received by the college’s trades department. A mild custom show vehicle, the 1994 modified Honda Civic was donated by Matt Loree ’08, a graduate of the parts technician apprenticeship program at the Vermilion campus. The car is used by students in the automotive service technician and parts technician programs, as well as by high school students taking mechanics as part of the career technology studies curriculum. Loree rebuilt the Honda Civic sports car adding many custom features such as tinted glass, padded dash, face plate and dash bezel, floor shifter, steering wheel and dyed matching leather seats. It is also equipped with a professionally installed stereo system, air ride suspension, Lamborghini doors, keyless entry, rear spoiler and custom grill, bumpers and lights. The appraised value of the car is $16,200. As a Lakeland student, Loree received the 2008 Trades Staff award. He is currently employed at Lake City GM at Cold Lake.
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Roxene Lockhart, trades and technology program chair, shows off the souped-up roadster gifted to Lakeland College by alumnus Matt Loree.
Donations benefit students, college & donors Did you know when you donate to Lakeland College, a registered charity, you can receive a non-refundable charitable tax credit when you complete your annual income tax return? Your donation helps Lakeland be a stronger and more vibrant college. For more information about how you can donate to programs that support Lakeland College students and programs through bequests, gifts-in-kind, life insurance policies and other forms of planned giving, go to www.lakelandcollege.ca/friends or call the Fund Development Office at 780 853 8736.
Coffee talk
Looking to rekindle alumni friendships? Why not join these alum who gather regularly to swap stories at the Alumni House. Pictured are Gudren Baranyk ’47, Evelyn DeTro, Jean Paré, Darla Yonkman ’04, Margaret Baguley, Peggy Jillson, Betty Seath, Muriel Heller and Margaret Snelgrove ’47.
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• • • THIS ‘N’ THAT • • •
Do we have your e-mail address? To make sure you don’t miss out on a single event or news item at the college, send your e-mail address to alumni@lakelandcollege.ca. You can tell us your current mailing address too!
Happy 96th birthday, Lakeland! The countdown to Lakeland’s centenary began with cake at the Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses and the Emergency Training Centre on Nov. 17, 2009. An electronic card was e-mailed to students, staff, alumni and prospective students inviting them to join the party!
where u at?
Edna Gertrude Elliott Lambert Oct. 14, 1919 – Aug. 11, 2009
In memoriam Gladys (Lund) Matthews Jenny K. (Edgson) Sterling Edith (Hutchinson) Blades Grace Moore Alfred Hutchinson Albert Campbell Elizabeth (Findlay) Davison Edna Gertrude (Elliott) Lambert Annabelle B. (Davies) Palmer Stan C. Powers Lloyd G. Seath Fred Spendiff Arthur G. Leighton Leonard J. Court Marjorie (Milligan) Wiese Jim Barr Ralph Maull Bruce McGhan Kerry G. Avey
@
’28 ’30 ’32 ’33 ’36 ’37 ’39 ’39 ’39 ’40 ’41 ’41 ’47 ’48 ’51 ’51 ’55 ’63 ’84
Gertrude Lambert ’39 was the youngest daughter of Edna Elliott and W. J. Elliott, Vermilion School of Agriculture principal from 1924 to 1937. Gertrude was a familiar figure at the college. In the 1939 yearbook, she was known as the “queen of the campus.” She and her family lived in what is now Alumni House. She often spoke of her mother being strict about what she could do in the “college house” although she did manage to slide down the banister once or twice. In 1937, she moved to Edmonton with her parents but returned to VSA in 1938 as a student. She earned a diploma in home economics in 1939. Gertrude married George Lambert in 1941 and raised two daughters and a son. She always remembered her VSA days as the best of times filled with good friends. Before her passing, when shown a picture of her former house, she was able to point out the window of her old room. Gertrude was a lifetime member of the Alumni Association. When she attended Homecoming ’06, she was proud to be one of the oldest alumni in attendance. AlumniPride
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Homecoming and Rose Ball Registration Form June 11, 12 & 13, 2010
Lakeland College, Vermilion Campus
PLEASE PRINT (attach additional list if necessary) NAME (First)
(Last)
Maiden name (if applicable)
ADDRESS
CITY
Year of graduation (or attendance) PROVINCE
HOME PHONE
FAX
NAME of spouse (First)
(Last)
Maiden name (if alumnus)
POSTAL CODE
Year of graduation (or attendance) if alumnus____________________ (Last)
NAME of guest (First)
City of guest
Year of graduation (or attendance) if alumnus____________________ EVENT FEES (Family, guests and members of other years are welcome to attend all events) # Attending ______ x $20 per person
$___________________
# Attending ______ x $15 per person
$___________________
Saturday, June 12 Luncheon
# Attending ______ x $14 per person
$___________________
Banquet & dance
# Attending ______ x $32 per person
$___________________
Registration Fee (Registration fee is payable by all attendees)
Friday, June 11 5 pm Social Pulled Pork
Note: Dance tickets will be available at the door. No reserved seating.
Residence Fees (see note below)*
n Friday only
n Saturday only
n Both nights
Single room
# Nights ______ x $38 per night
$___________________
Double room
# Nights ______ x $55 per night
$___________________
RV/Camper parking with power (see note below)*
# Nights ______ x $12 per night
$___________________
RV/Camper parking without power (see note below)*
# Nights ______ FREE
*You must call Residence and confirm your room bookings & RV Parking before completing this form. 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8543
Class photos
5 x 7 – $10 _____
8 x 10 – $14 ______
$____________________
Mail registration deadline: June 1, 2010 After June 1 you can register:_Toll free 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8737 Fax: 780 853 8676 Alumni Office, Lakeland College 5707 College Drive, Vermilion, Alberta T9X 1K5 E-mail: alumni@lakelandcollege.ca You must register to receive meal tickets, residence keys and your registration package. Method of Payment Please make cheque or money order payable to: Lakeland College Alumni Office DO NOT SEND CASH n Cheque (enclosed) n Money Order (enclosed)
n Visa n Mastercard
Amount $____________________
Card # ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Expiry Date: ___ ___ ___ ___
Name of card holder (please print)
Signature
"
Note:
What do you buy the alum who has everything?
A gift of Pride. Contact Lakeland College’s Alumni Office for a price list of Alumni Pride items available.
Group home and auto insurance
Insurance as simple as for alumni and staff of Lakeland College Insurance doesn’t need to be complicated. As a member of Lakeland College, you deserve – and receive – special care when you deal with TD Insurance Meloche Monnex.
Request a quote and you could
First, you enjoy savings through preferred group rates. Second, you benefit from great coverage and you get the flexibility to choose the level of protection that suits your needs.1 Third, you receive outstanding service. At TD Insurance Meloche Monnex our goal is to make insurance easy for you to understand, so you can choose your coverage with confidence. After all, we’ve been doing it for 60 years!
Insurance program endorsed by
1 866 352 6187 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
www.melochemonnex.com/lakelandc TD Insurance Meloche Monnex is the trade name of SECURITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY which also underwrites the home and auto insurance program. The program is distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services Inc. in Quebec and by Meloche Monnex Financial Services Inc. in the rest of Canada. Due to provincial legislation, our auto insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan. 1 Certain conditions and restrictions may apply. * No purchase required. Contest ends on January 14, 2011. Total value of each prize is $30,000 which includes the Honda Insight EX (excluding applicable taxes, preparation and transportation fees) and a $3,000 gas voucher. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Skill-testing question required. Contest organized jointly with Primmum Insurance Company and open to members, employees and other eligible people of all employer and professional and alumni groups who have an agreement with and are entitled to group rates from the organizers. Complete contest rules and eligibility information available at www.melochemonnex.com. Actual prize may differ from picture shown. Honda is a trade-mark of Honda Canada Inc., which is not a participant in or a sponsor of this promotion. Meloche Monnex is a trade-mark of Meloche Monnex Inc., used under license. TD Insurance is a trade-mark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, used under license.
10-MM8019-09 MMI.EN•lakelandc (7x4.875).indd 1
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She had the drive, determination & passion All she needed was support to succeed Support the
Centennial Campaign www.lakelandcollege.ca/friends/transformfutures
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Lakeland College Alumni Office 5707 College drive Vermilion Alberta T9X 1K5 Canada Post Publication Mail PM40009099