Excel Spring 2019

Spring 2019

OUTSTANDING SUPPORT

Member of Class of ‘66 helps expand college farm

SlamDUNK

SUCCESS

for UT alumnus

Trailblazer: AHT alumna makes CPCA history

LAKELAND LEADS

AGRIBUSINESS

STUDENTS Win Cor Van Raay Agribusiness Case Competition

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akeland College agribusiness students earned first place at the fourth annual Cor Van Raay Agribusiness Case Competition on Oct. 27.

Lakeland’s team of Hannah Olsen, Abby Black, Bethan Lewis and Bailey Hofstra was one of 11 teams from five post-secondary institutions from Alberta and Saskatchewan that competed.

Teams had four hours to analyze a case, develop a solution and prepare a 15-minute presentation to three judges – a University of Lethbridge professor, a Lethbridge College professor and a local lawyer. In addition to a first place trophy and a $500 cash prize, the students returned to Lakeland with heightened skills in teamwork, problemsolving and networking.

Learn more at lakelandcollege.ca/news.

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LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

SPRING 2019

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Enjoy

the elegance of yesterday with the charm of today.

For room and rate information: lakelandcollege.ca/alumni-house 1.800.661.6490, ext. 8737

An exciting benefit for graduates and employees of Lakeland College.

Take advantage of your benefits.

You have access to the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program. This means you can get preferred insurance rates on a wide range of home, condo, renter’s and car coverage that can be customized for your needs.

For over 65 years, TD Insurance has been helping Canadians find quality insurance solutions.

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Call 1-888-589-5656 or go to tdinsurance.com/lakelandcalumni The TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program is underwritten by SECURITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY. It is distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. in Québec, by Meloche Monnex Financial Services Inc. in Ontario, and by TD Insurance Direct Agency Inc. in the rest of Canada. Our address: 50 Place Crémazie, 12th Floor, Montréal, Québec H2P 1B6. Due to provincial legislation, our car and recreational insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan. Wide Horizons Solution® travel insurance is administered by RSA Travel Insurance Inc. and is underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. Medical and claims assistance, claims payment and administrative services are provided by the administrator described in the insurance policies. All trade-marks are the property of their respective owners. ® The TD logo and other TD trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

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LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Table of Contents Alumni Spotlight

Spring 2019

10. UT alumnus excels beyond the court

12. Designing for HGTV’s Property Brothers

13. Successful start in interpreting 14. Alumna becomes a 10

top Toastmaster

15. Elite designer: IDT alumnus named to exclusive design list

16. Alumna’s avidity for enviro conservation carries on in career

17. Alumna named Veterinary Nurse of the Year

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18. CPCA not just for cowboys

7. Alumni Social Calendar 8. Snapshots 9. Excel Magazine Readership Survey results

21. Donor Spotlight 23. Students in the Lead 27. Campus News 32. Class Notes & Remember When 33. In Memoriam 34. 2019 Homecoming 34

The department distributes mailings, invitations and class lists. Anyone wishing to be excluded from certain mailings should notify College Advancement at 780.853.8431.

Editor: Katie Ryan Writers: Taylor Hermiston, Katie Ryan and Colleen Symes Creative Design: Chelsey Schlosser Cover Photo: Photo Submitted Accepting advertising: Advertising in Excel is welcome.

For rates call College Advancement at 780.853.8628 or email alumni@lakelandcollege.ca.

Continue Reading

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Excel is published by Lakeland College’s Department of College Advancement.

Excel is also available on Lakeland College’s website at lakelandcollege.ca/ alumni-and-friends

Registration Form

Contributions: Special thanks to all alumni who contributed to this edition of Excel.

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 College Advancement or contact Shauna Zack at 780.853.8628 or shauna.zack@lakelandcollege.ca.

Publications mail agreement No. 40009099 Return undeliverable addresses to: Lakeland College College Advancement 5707 College Drive Vermilion, Alberta, Canada T9X 1K5 lakelandcollege.ca/alumni-and-friends SPRING 2019

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President Barry McCarty ‘69 Vice President Edmund Lefsrud ‘65 Treasurer Don Deaville ‘66 Secretary Sandra Bernes '66 Past President Bill Fox '58 Director Werner Wennekamp '65 Director Wyman Lockhart ‘66 Director Carolyn McIntosh ‘66 Director Bill Plumley ‘66 Director Kole Casey ‘12 Director Craig deJong ‘16 Director Sheila Kitz ‘86 Director Barry McDonald ‘66 Director Victoria Page ‘67 Director Jamie Taylor ‘16 Director Marie Therriault ‘65 Historian Tom Kibblewhite ‘59 Volunteer Phyllis Elmer ‘68

Join us at

HOMECOMING 2019 Time truly waits for no one. It seems like a short while ago we were struggling to finish harvest and attempting to gather enough winter feed. Now, we are into the middle of a typical Prairie winter. Many of our alumni take this opportunity to travel south to enjoy the sun. While in California, Arizona or Mexico, they maintain numerous friendships developed over years of spending the winters in warmer spaces.

This is an opportune time to be planning for a wonderful western Canadian summer. Homecoming at Lakeland College is June 14, 15 and 16. Friday night (June 14) is always an initial get-acquainted party at Spurs. This facility is managed by the Vermilion Campus Students’ Association and is where they can all come to relax and socialize.

At Homecoming, the 25-year, the 50-year, and the 50-plus-year classes are specifically featured. This is a memorable function, which is always great fun and no one wants to miss.

Tours of the campus are arranged for Saturday afternoon. This is another fantastic opportunity to see the great changes that have occurred at Lakeland College Vermilion campus.

Take the time to be sure you can manage to be in Vermilion from June 14 - 16.

Better yet, encourage some of your classmates to come along and make a serious commitment to enjoy the weekend.

I know many who have attended Homecoming are always ready to book for the next year.

Friendships are golden, and it is wonderful to reconnect with everyone.

It is a pleasure to be your Alumni Association president.

Sincerely,

Alumni Liaison Shauna Zack Barry McCarty 6

LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

ALUMNI SOCIAL CALENDAR

ALUMNI & INDUSTRY MIXERS Please join us at these alumni and industry mixers. Leave work behind and visit with alumni, college instructors and industry leaders for an evening of memories, laughs and fun! Complimentary snacks and a cash bar will be available. Bring fellow alumni or a client you want to chat with.

RSVP to any of the alumni and industry mixers to Shauna Zack by calling 780.853.8628 or emailing shauna.zack@lakelandcollege.ca.

Agribition

FarmTech

Tuesday, Nov. 19 6 - 9 p.m.

Location: TBA Regina, Sask.

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Chateau Lacombe Edmonton, Alta.

ALUMNI SOCIAL EVENTS Edmonton and Area Alumni Social

Lacer the Racer Alumni Golf Bash

Sunday, April 14 2 - 5 p.m.

Country Side Golf Club 51466 Range Road 232 Sherwood Park, Alta.

RSVP to Shauna Zack by calling 780.853.8628 or emailing shauna.zack@lakelandcollege.ca

Saturday, July 27 Vermilion Golf and Country Club 4606-52 St., Vermilion, Alta.

RSVP to Shauna Zack by calling 780.853.8628 or emailing shauna.zack@lakelandcollege.ca

Lakeland College Alumni Homecoming Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16 The registration form is on page 34.

RSVP to Shauna Zack by calling 780.853.8628 or emailing shauna.zack@lakelandcollege.ca

Grande Prairie Social Wednesday, July 17 Watch our website for more details or call Shauna Zack at 780.853.8628.

Westlock Alumni Social Thursday, Aug. 8 Canadian Tractor Museum 9704-96 Ave., Westlock, Alta.

RSVP to George & Ivy McMillan at 780.349.2404 or Doug & Vera Brown at 780.349.2410 Watch for updates on our social media for all alumni and industry mixers and socials.

Facebook.ca/LakelandCollege-Alumni

IT’S EASY TO KEEP IN TOUCH! To update your contact information, visit lakelandcollege.ca/alumni-and-friends

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SNAPSHOTS

ALUMNI

From Edmonton, Alta., to Yuma, Ariz., we love connecting with our alumni. Thank you for joining us at our FarmTech Alumni and Industry Mixer as well as at our annual Yuma Alumni Snowbird Social. Be sure to mark your calendar for our upcoming events, including Homecoming 2019.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

SURVEY SAYS...

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING You’ve read the Excel and now you’ve shared your feedback. On behalf of Lakeland College’s Advancement department, thank you for your participation in the Excel Magazine Readership Survey.

What we learned: • The Excel makes alumni feel connected. They feel encouraged to connect with each other and feel connected to Lakeland College.

• The magazine is well liked by the majority of respondents.

• Readers would like to learn more about alumni in their professions and alumni succeeding.

• Readers of the Excel are interested in upcoming events, campus growth and fundraising efforts.

• Readers want to share stories but are not sure how.

• Some readers might prefer the physical copy of the Excel magazine.

• Shorter, more condensed stories was mentioned by a few alumni, and we will strive to feature those. We hope this means we can also write about more alumni!

What we will do going forward: • Alumni Spotlight stories will continue to be featured.

• We will continue to include alumni events, and work on stories about campus growth and fundraising efforts.

• Should anyone like to submit a story or class note, we will make contact information easier to find in the magazine. In fact, you can reach Shauna Zack at shauna.zack@lakelandcollege.ca or 1.800.661.6490 ext. 8628.

The five survey winners are: • • • • •

Deanna Yanish, Class of 2016 animal science technology Alexis Ann Mann (Wilcox), Class of 2017 hairstyling Donovan Scanie, Class of 2017 electrician Bailey Lorenzen, Class of 2014 animal science technology Alvin Lumley, Class of 2013 and 2017 electrician and crop technology

286 Survey participants

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228

Alumni responded

Alumni responded

who graduated prior to 2000

who graduated after 2000

Do you prefer to read the Excel magazine online or would you like the magazine mailed to you?

Please contact Shauna Zack to confirm your choice: shauna.zack@lakelandcollege.ca or 1.800.661.6490 ext. 8628.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

EXCELLING BEYOND THE COURT On and off the court, Michael Linklater is championing basketball, Cree culture and the lives of Indigenous youth

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he 2009 university transfer alumnus has dedicated his life to basketball for more than 25 years. Since picking up the sport in grade school, he’s become the number one International Basketball Federation (FIBA) three-on-three basketball player in Canada and is ranked 29th internationally.

“I love playing the game. I always look to challenge myself to be a better person and basketball does that for me.

Something that kept me in the game for so long was also the team environment. I like the sense of belonging and individuals coming together to achieve a common goal,” Linklater says.

Linklater represented Team Canada at the 2018 FIBA 3x3 World Cup in the Philippines. He’s represented Team Saskatoon at the 2014-2017 3x3 FIBA World Tours. He hopes to play in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo when three-on-three basketball makes its debut.

When he’s not on the professional circuit, he’s helping youth to become champions in sport and life.

Linklater owns and operates Prime Basketball Development in Saskatoon, Sask., a company he established in 2011 that features individual skill development, key concepts of teamwork, and classroom setting instruction. He also travels to Indigenous communities and hosts individual and team development clinics. Linklater says it’s important to him to train youth with first-hand, practical experience.

“All of my coaches have college, university, or professional playing experience. As a young athlete, I was very fortunate to acquire a certain skill set that allowed me to surpass my coaches’ experience. With my background, I understand the importance of coaching from a player perspective. We also train them to work hard and learn, through self-discovery, how they can transfer their skills to real life,” he says.

Linklater played for the Lakeland

Rustlers men’s basketball team before going on to captain the University of Saskatchewan Huskies team. As a Huskie, he made history by leading the team to its first and only CanWest Conference Championship and Canadian Interuniversity Sport National Championship in 2010.

Beyond professional athletics, Linklater uses his platform to give back.

Linklater travels to Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan to share stories about his childhood. From witnessing substance abuse and making a promise to abstain from both to overcoming bullying for braiding his hair, Linklater has used his life experiences to inspire his audiences for more than 20 years.

In 2014 he founded Boys with Braids, an international movement that spotlights the cultural significance of why Indigenous boys and men wear a braid.

“I have always had long hair and I used to get teased for it. It weighed on me as a child and it was traumatic. Now, I have my own family and sons who have long hair. Each of them is coming home with the same experiences. I realized something needed to be done in order to create awareness, encouragement and general education for the public,” says the descendant of Thunderchild First Nation, located on Treaty 6 Territory.

Since the inception of Boys with Braids, communities across North America have adopted the campaign and hosted gatherings and events.

Linklater’s advocacy hasn’t gone unnoticed.

He is the recipient of numerous awards for his work including an Indspire Award for his outstanding career achievements and service to the Aboriginal community, as well as a Tom Longboat Award for his outstanding contributions to sport in Canada.

“To be recognized nationally for my achievements is very exciting, humbling and encouraging. It’s validation that I am doing the right thing and that my work is important. It inspires me to keep doing what I am doing.”

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In the reality series, Jonathan renovates the family’s home for a successful sale, while Drew searches for the family’s next property and oversees selling their current home.

Pointer says the episode she assisted on will air this year.

“The best part of it was the end and seeing everything come together.

Knowing how much work went into it, how many people it took and knowing that I was one of them, and then hearing the Property Brothers say how amazing it looked - it was a very rewarding experience.”

D E S IG NI NG FOR HGT V ’ S

PROPERTY BROTHERS A Lakeland College interior design technology alumna was designing behind-the-scenes of one of HGTV Canada’s most popular shows, Property Brothers: Buying & Selling.

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“

I couldn’t have imagined my post-secondary experience going any better. It was a great environment to be in because all the instructors are very passionate.

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ith the resumé and portfolio she built at Lakeland, Deseree Pointer, Class of 2017, was hired as a design assistant for Jonathan and Drew Scott’s lead designer, Victoria Tonelli, for a Calgary-based home renovation. She describes her experience as a “dream come true.”

“I had the best experience working for the Property Brothers. I was on set for a few days, working 10 to 15 hours a day with eight other designers getting the house ready for the big reveal. It was all worth it to see the home come together,” she says. On one occasion, Pointer was sent around the city to shop for home furnishings and accessories.

LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Though she believes there were many more people more qualified for the job, Pointer says she’s confident that Lakeland was a key factor in her attaining the job. She also realized early on that attending the 2017 National Kitchen & Bath Association College of the Year was one of the best decisions she’s made.

“I couldn’t have imagined my postsecondary experience going any better. It was a great environment to be in because all the instructors are very passionate. I believe everything I learned at Lakeland has set me up for success. Even in the first semester of my first year, I knew I went into the right program,” she says.

Pointer enjoys working in design because of the end goal – bringing joy to people. “I noticed that everybody takes pride in their homes but some don’t always know how to dress it up and make it feel like their own. That’s when I can come in and bring their dreams to reality, that’s rewarding to me.

Pointer is working as a sale associate at Park Lighting in Edmonton – a lighting store for the general customer, homebuilder, contractor, designer or electrician. She is often sought by her co-workers to provide design advice for clients. She’s also on-call to work on other Property Brothers’ episodes.

SUCCESSFUL

start in

INTERPRETING Class of 2018’s Brooke Wigmore has her hands busy in various sectors as a signed language interpreter.

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ince graduating from Lakeland’s sign language interpretation program, Wigmore has worked for five theatre companies, two interpreting agencies and an educational institution.

“Due to confidentiality reasons I can’t share too much, but I do a lot of work in the Edmonton area. Work that I did not think I’d be doing if it weren’t for my Lakeland experience,” Wigmore says.

Lakeland played a leading role in preparing her for many specialized situations – in and beyond the classroom. “I love the diverse range of professors I had. I learned from a Deaf-blind instructor, an instructor who is a child of a Deaf adult, and from other interpreters.”

in these specialized settings. This course and my practicum experience helped me narrow down what I wanted to pursue after graduation,” she says.

Wigmore completed her practicum with a national event dedicated to the Deaf performing arts. Through the experience, Wigmore was able to network and establish connections.

“Practicum was my favourite part. I worked around Edmonton, was a part of some great projects, and received awesome hands-on experience.”

In Lakeland’s interpreting in specialized settings course, Wigmore was exposed to different types of interpreting scenarios including business, education, mental health, medical, Deaf-blind, theatre and legal.

“We got to talk to the interpreters and agencies who work

“Practicum was my favourite part. I worked around Edmonton, was a part of some great projects, and received awesome hands-on experience. I can’t believe the opportunities that have come out of my practicum experience and education.”

As a student, Wigmore was invited to interpret for numerous college events last year.

While theatre has captured her attention, her passion lies in education. Wigmore plans to complete her elementary education degree with hopes of working with Deaf students.

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ALUMNA BECOMES A TOP TOASTMASTER For many people, being interviewed can be stressful.

However, that’s not the case for Margaret Page.

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s one of five final candidates vying for the position of second vice president of Toastmasters International, the Lakeland College alumna relished the opportunity to be interviewed and not just by one person. In fact, Page was interviewed by 140 people in panels of three or four.

think there’s a deeper responsibility,” says Page, a Toastmaster member since 2003. In 2012-2013, she served as District 21 Governor in British Columbia where she was responsible for 6,000 members, 295 clubs and a district leadership team of 110 people. Page was also recently a member of the Toastmasters International board of directors.

“It’s time for the organization to build partnerships and alliances with other organizations around the globe to continue to grow our methodology.”

Being elected second vice president of this international non-profit educational organization is one of many professional accomplishments for Page. With more than 30 years of success as an entrepreneur “There were hundreds of and business leader, Page has people asking me questions founded several specialized in a short period of time, but “It’s time for the organization to build companies, including Beyond when you can get eyeball partnerships and alliances with other the Page Coaching, Etiquette to eyeball with somebody, organizations around the globe to Page and Page the Coach.

I feel the communication is continue to grow our methodology.”

She’s also a published author, so much deeper, richer and professional speaker and real. I loved it,” says Page, popular radio, television, and social Prior to throwing her hat into the Class of 1996 accounting and 1997 media personality. ring for second vice president, business management.

Page reached out to 500 different The interviews were part of the Page attributes her work ethic to Toastmasters members from around election process held at the 87th her love of learning, which she says the world to learn what they wanted annual Toastmasters convention in was sparked when she studied at from the renowned organization.

2018. Following multiple days of Lakeland. “I came to the college as “I felt if they were to elect me to interviews and giving a two-minute a mature student, but I was finally lead them my responsibility as a speech on camera, international ready to learn. Now the more hours candidate was to really understand representatives from Toastmasters I can spend learning, the better them. It was fascinating to hear their cast their vote for Page.

I like it,” says Lakeland’s 2013 hopes and dreams, and desires for “We owe it to those who came before Distinguished Alumna. the future and what Toastmasters us to leave the organization in a meant to them,” says Page, noting “I owe Lakeland for that; they better place for those who come next.

Toastmasters’ membership totals really opened my eyes to the value This speaks of Lakeland College as of learning.”

360,000 worldwide. well, when you have a long history I 14

LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

E lite D esigner A Lakeland College interior design technology (IDT) alumnus has been named to an exclusive list in the world of design.

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harles Kimball is one of 30 young professionals from throughout North America named to National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) Thirty Under 30, Class of 2019.

Kimball, Class of 2014, is the lead designer of Premier Companies, a design and build construction firm in Winnipeg, Man. He is thrilled to be a part of the NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 class. “I am very honoured to be a recipient. In this industry, it’s an affirmation that I am doing well. It’s a confidence booster,” he says. Kimball and 29 other recipients from across North America were recognized at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show from Feb. 19-21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nev. As Premier’s lead designer, Kimball is spearheading projects, determining the narrative of work and level of quality and, above all, improving clients’ quality of life through creation. He says his work is all about collaboration and transparency. “I like the application of interior design to human beings and how we live.”

When he is designing, the two most important things he pays attention to are intent and context – design principles he learned at Lakeland.

completed Lakeland’s IDT practicum with The Works International Visual Arts Society in Edmonton.

“One highlight from my Lakeland experience was the practicum. It was a great work and learning experience because you are in the real world and you have to deliver.

I learned an unbelievable amount of art and curation,” he says, and added the college’s relationship with the NKBA is another highlight and a blessing.

“It allows for more continuing education opportunities, opens a connection to a body of knowledge and it led me to this fantastic honour. Since Lakeland is a NKBA accredited school, students and alumni have this third-party association to go to progress from a professional development perspective.”

“One highlight from my Lakeland experience was the practicum. It was a great work and learning experience because you are in the real world and you have to deliver.”

“Lakeland instilled the idea of practical applications of design and understanding our ideas have to be achievable and realistic. They also instilled that application – the intent of what you’re doing and in the context in which you’re doing it in – is paramount.”

In less than five years, Kimball and Premier went from working on $30,000 kitchen and bathroom renovations to half-a-million-dollar additions and million-dollar constructions projects.

Prior to Premier, Kimball worked with Interior Touches in Winnipeg as a designer and design account manager, freelanced in Edmonton and surrounding area, and

Surprisingly interior design was not a career this successful designer initially saw for himself. Initially Kimball wanted to be a particle physicist, and then pursued a public relations credential.

“I knew I needed to find something that involved science but I also want to make an impact in someone’s life. I thought about design, so I Googled the question: ‘What is a good combination of science and art?’ The answer was interior design. Interior design is the perfect marriage between science and art.”

With little design knowledge, Kimball knew right away that attending Lakeland was the right choice. He appreciated Lakeland’s teaching methodology of not turning students into a household name or superstar, “but figuring out what’s going to make you the best at what you can do.”

Being named to the NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 list is the second honour he’s received from the organization.

In 2014, as a Lakeland student, Kimball received an honourable mention in NKBA’s charette competition.

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Alumna’s avidity for

ENVIRO CONSERVATION carries on in career

Protecting and preserving the environment is second nature to this Class of 2016 Lakeland College alumna.

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odie Lee Yasieniuk is a conservation program specialist for Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Working out of their Camrose, Alta. office, Yasieniuk builds positive working relationships with local governments, landowners, industry, agricultural producers and other conservation agencies.

“I do everything from surveying and paperwork to growing Ducks’ partnerships and relationships with landowners. I am the first point of contact for most people in helping them improve their operations for the benefit of the environment. I love what I do because each day is different. I get to help people change their environmental footprint, and be a part of their journey from beginning to end – it is a rewarding experience,” says Yasieniuk, an environmental conservation and reclamation grad.

Yasieniuk has always had a deep passion for the environment. The environmental enthusiast grew up on her family’s ranch on the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve in Hafford, Sask. The biosphere is one of 18 biosphere reserves in Canada and the only one in Saskatchewan. Naturally, her family’s ranching methods demonstrate strong environmental ethics and practices.

“I thought our practices were normal until I left for post-secondary. There I learned of different ranching methods that didn’t put the environment first – it was shocking,” she says.

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In our first week of class, we went on a field trip and studied grass. It was amazing. Instead of sitting in a classroom and learning about it theoretically, I was getting dirt under my nails and getting the hands-on experience I needed.

After a year of university, Yasieniuk enrolled in Lakeland’s School of Environmental Sciences for the hands-on learning opportunities that were lacking in her previous education. She says it was the best decision she made.

“In our first week of class, we went on a field trip and studied grass. It was amazing. Instead of sitting in a classroom and learning about it theoretically, I was getting dirt under my nails and getting the hands-on experience I needed.”

After Lakeland, Yasieniuk worked for the Peace Country Beef and Forage Association in Fairview, Alta., ATCO Electric as a member of their vegetation management team and in Sturgeon County as a vegetation management technician.

As she fulfills her duties with Ducks Unlimited, Yasieniuk explains she uses a little bit of everything from her Lakeland education. This includes more than 20 applied skills, including site and risk assessments, management and conservation of soils, and plant identification.

“In some of the courses, I regretfully remember thinking ‘I’m never going to need this’ and ‘Why are we memorizing all these plants?’ Now, I can appreciate all those things. In my role I am able to meet with landowners and use this foundational knowledge to answer their questions. It’s great to have my foot in every door.”

Yasieniuk is one of several Lakeland alumni who work with Ducks Unlimited Canada. In fact, Yasieniuk is based out of DUC’s Camrose office with Angus Bryan, Class of 2015. Bryan took over from long-time DUC staffer Robbin Hunka, Class of 1976. Bryan and Yasieniuk are also colleagues of Andy Van Imshoot, Class of 1977.

LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Veterinary Nurse of

THE YEAR Class of 2012’s Katie Berry is Petplan Insurance’s 2019 Veterinary Nurse of the Year.

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he animal health technoloy alumna received the award at the Petplan Veterinary Awards in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 20. She was one of three veterinary technicians in North America nominated.

“I was so excited. I didn’t realize this award existed, but it’s great that we have an opportunity to get recognized for our work,” Berry says.

Clinic. “Katie is always in a good mood. It’s nice to come into the clinic and see her there. She is also very experienced, and her insights and feedback are always very important and appreciated. Katie makes the work of everyone else so much easier because we know we can rely on her.”

Berry is the director of medical services and a registered veterinary technician at Montgomery Village Veterinary Clinic & Dekens Housecall Services in Calgary, Alta.

As a veterinary technician, she assists veterinarians in diagnosing and treating animals. In her role as director of medical services, Berry manages clinic operations including scheduling, protocols and inventory, and oversees other veterinary technicians.

Beyond her responsibiliies she is also known to begin her shifts early and stay after hours, ensure clients and patients receive the best care, and maintains a positive attitude.

“There are a lot of different reasons why Katie deserves this recognition,” says Dr. Dirk Dekens, owner of Montgomery Village Veterinary

For as long as she can remember, Berry has always liked animals more than people. “I knew I didn’t want to be a vet because I didn’t want to be in school for that long, but I still wanted to pursue animal medicine. I found Lakeland’s program and I loved every minute of it.”

Berry credits her strong skill set to Lakeland because of the handson learning opportunities she experienced in the small animal clinic.

“It’s eye-opening to realize how much more hands-on experience and animal interaction I received at Lakeland versus other schools. I often wonder why some vet techs don’t have a certain skill and it’s because they weren’t given the same opportunities.”

“It’s eye-opening to realize how much more hands-on experience and animal interaction I received at Lakeland versus other schools.”

Thousands of people from across the United States and Canada are nominated as the industry’s “best in show” at the Petplan Veterinary Awards.

The finalists in each category demonstrated a commitment to offering exceptional veterinary care, advancing pet health beyond their practice, and providing an outstanding client experience to pet parents.

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NOT JUST for COWBOYS Trailblazer takes on half mile of hell Amber L’Heureux is making history.

The Lakeland alumna is the first professional female chuckwagon driver to purchase an official membership to the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA). When the horn sounds to kick off the 2019 CPCA season on May 31 in North Battleford, Sask., L’Heureux will navigate the barrels as a trailblazer – the only woman to do so in the circuit’s six-decade history.

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LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Just EnjoySPRING Photography 2019 - Carrie Arlett 19

“I am excited to get racing. The pressure for me is that I don’t want to let anyone down,” says L’Heureux, Class of 2013 animal health technology. “This is what I have been working towards for so long. I know if I put in the work and the dedication and keep everything rolling, it’ll be great. I just want to do everyone proud.”

Racing is a family affair for L’Heureux, whose journey to the CPCA started well before she could even walk. L’Heureux’s mother raced pony chariots, her father drove pony wagons and her grandfather competed too, and she was on the road with them by the time she was three months old. At the age of 14, L’Heureux picked up the reins to a small chariot and two ponies, and at 16 she raced pony chuckwagons.

In 2014, L’Heureux became the first female chuckwagon driver to compete in the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in Texas.

everybody, and that for me is a lot of pressure. I want every little girl to know there is no limit to what they can do,” she says.

Clean and competitive is how L’Heureux plans to climb the CPCA standings, and it’s what she says will help her to reach her goal. “I would like to win Rookie of the Year – that’s my biggest goal, but you have to have little goals in order to get to the big ones,” she says.

“Being a wagon driver is very much 80 per cent mental and 20 per cent physical because the horses are pulling the wagon. If you have your mental game on strong, then you have a pretty good footing to go out there.”

With her first season in the CPCA fast approaching, L’Heureux has a lot of work to do.

Her own physical preparations include weight training and as a new driver she’s also working “It was something I on sponsorship always wanted to do,” opportunities.

“I know if I put in the work and the dedication says L’Heureux, who Moreover, L’Heureux and keep everything rolling, it’ll be great. calls Glaslyn, Sask., has 18 new horses I just want to do everyone proud.” home. “In Grade 3 to train. She finds or 4, we were asked herself drawing on to write down what some of the foundational knowledge – including nutrition we wanted to be when we grow up. I remember a lot of and pharmacology – as well as the applied learning my friends wanted to be doctors or marine biologists, but opportunities she had at Lakeland.

I wrote how I wanted to be a chuckwagon driver. I find it “Everything I learned at college was a building block for my funny now looking back at my aspirations in life and how training program. The instructors are wonderful and I can’t they’ve come true.” say enough good words about Lakeland – it was a great News of L’Heureux becoming a CPCA driver has garnered two years of my life. A lot of people thought it was crazy, her media attention. From local newspapers to the Western but I raced both summers while I was in college,” says Producer, the 26-year-old says she’s taking it all in stride.

L’Heureux, who spent four years in the field as a veterinary “It’s exciting but I have been working at this for so long that technician after graduation.

I didn’t think it would be this big of a story, but it’s turning “I have my dream job now because I went to Lakeland, out to be,” she says. worked as a tech and that opened the doors for so many From the stands, there will be no mistaking which wagon things with my racing ultimately. It was a great part of what is L’Heureux’s. With her signature hot pink sparkly rig, fans got me to where I am now.” will be able to spot L’Heureux and cheer her on, which is To keep track of L’Heureux’s racing news and for something she doesn’t take lightly. “I remember being the sponsorship information, visit pinkwagon.ca. little kid out there watching in the stands and looking up to 20

LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

OUTSTANDING

SUPPORT

When Roy Kubica retired from farming, he thought of Lakeland College, his alma mater. In fact, the Class of 1966 alumnus wanted to give back to Lakeland’s current and future students by helping to expand the Student-Managed Farm – Powered

by New Holland (SMF).

“I have put it in my mind that I am giving away a farm,” says Kubica, who retired from farming with his brother Rick in the Thorhild, Alta., area in 2017.

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O

n March 5, Kubica returned to the Vermilion campus to donate $500,000 to Lakeland College.

The funds will be used to increase Lakeland’s land base, which Kubica says is vital for the college to continue its work in expanding agricultural student-led learning opportunities.

Roy Kubica’s yearbook photo from 1966, the year he graduated from Lakeland.

“I hope to help these programs where students are able to benefit from hands-on learning and leadership opportunities,” he says. “Lakeland’s agricultural sciences programming is essential for future generations of farmers and other agricultural professionals. I have the opportunity to help a lot of students and I am proud to do so.”

The generous support of Kubica and other donors made it possible for Lakeland to purchase two adjoining quarters with 309 acres of quality cropland.

“On behalf of Lakeland College, we thank Mr. Kubica for his visionary support – his generosity is the product of many years of hard work. We are honoured to have our students continue his legacy at Lakeland,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “By increasing our land base, we won’t have to put the brakes on our students’ innovation.

They will have the acres they need to continue to try new things and

Over the years, Kubica’s connection with Lakeland has only grown stronger. He stays in touch with fellow alumni by attending Homecoming celebrations in June, as well as alumni socials in Edmonton and Westlock.

Kubica is also a longstanding supporter of Lakeland students.

He has donated to the Annual Giving Campaign and, since 2013, Kubica has contributed to the college’s student awards program.

He established the Roy J. Kubica Agriculture Scholarship in 2015; eight students have received this student award to date.

“On behalf of Lakeland College, we thank Mr. Kubica for his visionary support – his generosity is the product of many years of hard work.”

test different ideas, which we know is an essential element of our award-winning programming.”

Though it has been more than five decades since Kubica studied agriculture at Lakeland’s Vermilion campus, he remembers his college experience fondly. “All of the things that we did in class, I was able to use afterwards,” he says. “I learned about livestock, plant science, economics – you had a full day. I remember the welding shop well too. It all really helped a lot.”

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“I see everything at the college growing and doing well, and I am happy to do my part to help it continue,” says Kubica.

In February, Lakeland finalized the land purchase which was made possible because of donors supporting Leading. Learning.

The Lakeland Campaign. “This purchase was driven by generous donors who recognize the value of our student-managed learning model. They wanted to ensure

LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

that our students have access to the land base they need to benefit from the leadership and learning opportunities we provide through our Student-Managed Farm,” says Wainwright-Stewart.

Located six kilometres west of the Vermilion campus and within close proximity to other college land, the new land supports Lakeland’s strategic priorities of commercial agriculture production and ag-based applied research. The purchase also includes a house and outbuildings.

A dedication ceremony will be held in the future to commemorate Kubica and fellow donors who made this land purchase a possibility for Lakeland.

Since Lakeland last grew its land base in 2010, student numbers and crop and livestock applied research have grown substantially. Crop technology and animal science technology enrolment increased from 90 students in 2011 to 266 students in the fall of 2018. With the increase in enrolment, the addition of a livestock applied research herd, and the doubling of Lakeland’s dairy herd because of the new Dairy Learning Centre’s capacity, more of Lakeland’s land base was being used for pasture and feed production. This additional land was needed to appropriately support the crop technology program and the crop unit – Lakeland’s largest SMF unit.

STUDENTS IN THE LEAD

Business students compete in

SPEED MEET

A

rmed with only their business idea, 22 business students competed in Lakeland College’s first Speed Meet.

Three competitions were held for students to pitch four key aspects of their business idea to a panel of four judges within four minutes. Each judge scored the students on one of the following categories: legal/human resources, financial, marketing and entrepreneurial/strategic.

On Nov. 22, seven students competed in the final competition and Kevin Kuszniryk, a business administration student majoring in general business, won first place.

“Speed Meet is a really great opportunity because it gave us some targets and categories to weigh our business in, and it provided a safe environment to air new ideas,” says Kuszniryk. “I think it’s great practice for presenting business ideas.”

Kuszniryk’s business idea involved industrial water treatment for reuse. Other business ideas pitched included a hair salon, restaurants and retail operations. Claiming second and third place for their business ideas were Harsh Gajjar and Abhi Abhi.

AG STUDENT WINS Jill McLerie, a second-year agribusiness student, won Grand Aggregate Judge of the Canadian National 4-H and Youth Judging Competition at the Canadian Western Agribition on Nov. 19.

She judged six classes of beef and dairy cattle, as well as canola seed, alpaca wool, alpaca confirmation, silage and bison.

McLerie earned a $2,500 John Deere scholarship, a belt buckle and the opportunity to judge at the First

national judging competition

Lady Classic, which she says was a tremendous honour. She was a part of a four-person panel to judge the champions in each cattle breed for the selection of the top yearling heifer. She also judged First Lady Classic’s futurity portion, which is an all breeds show.

McLerie was one of eight students on team Lakeland, and one of 50 competitors. Lakeland’s judging team placed second in the competition, missing the top spot by one point.

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SLIP SQUAD GIVES BACK IN ALBERTA’S CAPITAL CITY

STUDENTS LEAD LEGACY RESTORATION PROJECTS

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irst-year sign language interpretation program (SLIP) students – also known as the SLIP Squad – spent their first semester volunteering at three community organizations in Edmonton. The experience heightened the students’ interpersonal communication skills, and taught them how to adapt their social skills to align with different situations.

“Through this experience I was exposed to different groups of people with different lifestyles. I learned that their circumstances do not mean they aren’t worthy of the same attention and care I would give to someone else,” says Mel Andersen, a SLIP student and volunteer coordinator of the SLIP Squad.

Community service was part of their interpersonal communications course, which supports the development of communication skills, self-awareness and professional relationships.

First, the SLIP Squad volunteered for Hope Mission where they served lunch to Edmonton’s impoverished and homeless community. Then they helped deck the halls of Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore by setting up Christmas trees. Lastly, they held a brunch for approximately 70 families with Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta. The squad also set up a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money to pay for the brunch’s groceries. They raised more than $250 and donated the remaining funds to the Ronald McDonald House.

Each year, the students complete a full-semester reciprocity project and volunteer in the community.

This is the first time the students reached out to mainstream organizations to support their education as the SLIP Squad.

LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 24

Lakeland College agricultural sciences and environmental sciences students are working together to restore the ecological integrity, natural structure and function of two wetlands on college land.

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he wetland restoration projects are a collaboration with ALUS Canada, the Vermilion River Watershed Alliance (VRWA) and the Battle River Watershed Alliance (BRWA). The wetlands are located on pasture land, south of the Vermilion campus. A project proposal submitted to ALUS in March 2018 recognized the cattle as the cause of the wetlands’ poor conditions.

Current and future students who are part of the StudentManaged Farm – Powered by New Holland (SMF), bachelor of applied science in environmental management (BASEM) degree program and the Student-Environmental Consulting Office are charged with planning and budgeting each stage of the projects. With a producer perspective, agricultural sciences students devise restoration solutions based on recommendations from environmental sciences students. Environmental sciences students work with the perspective of an environmental consultant. The solutions are presented to the project partners for further consideration.

In September 2018, students determined the first course of action for the wetlands. “In spring 2019 we will fence off the wetlands to stop the cattle from causing more damage.

One of the wetlands is a natural slough and the other is a man-made dugout. In the slough, we’re installing wooden posts with wildlife friendly fencing - a barbed fence with a barbless top. Metal posts and a wildlife friendly fence will be installed around the dugout,” says Brandee Charlton, a second-year animal science technology livestock major and the sustainability and stewardship manager for the SMF sheep livestock unit. Visit lakelandcollege.ca/featurestories for the complete story.

NEW

Student-led clinic retail store is open for business

Lakeland College’s Animal Health Clinic is home to the latest student-led initiative that will give students the essential skills to excel in industry and beyond.

Second-year animal health technology (AHT) students on the Student-Led Clinic retail marketing team held a grand opening for the student-led retail store on Oct. 22, 2018, at the Vermilion campus. The store was stocked with a variety of food and treats, toys and pet apparel for Lakeland staff and students to purchase.

“I’m so excited for our students and the instructive opportunity the Student-Led Clinic will have on their

New resource MINDFULLY HELPS PEOPLE A Lakeland College student is sharing his passion for holistic healing by hosting Mindful Mondays, a free 30-minute meditation session, so students and the community can nurture their mind, body and soul.

The types of meditation Nathan Grindle, a university transfer student, focuses on in each session varies depending on who attends and how he interprets the energy in the room. Grindle has been practicing meditation for more than four years and leading sessions for three. He has gained extensive knowledge by attending workshops around Alberta on improving self-worth, teaching meditation to children and silent meditation.

“Stress is a huge issue for students and this is one of the best ways for students to work through their stress - timely, holistically and financially,” says Grindle.

Mindful Mondays are every Monday during the noon hour in the Black Box Theatre at the Lloydminster campus. The sessions are free and open to the community.

education. Lakeland students will learn to become an essential member of a veterinary health care team before they graduate into industry,” says Elaine Suddaby, the AHT program head.

Within the retail marketing team are three committees and each is in charge of an aspect of the retail store: labeling products on the shelves and ordering; new initiatives and products; and animal health promotions that advocates for the store as well as the industry.

The student-led retail team is one of three teams that gain practical experiences beyond the classroom in the StudentLed Clinic. The other two teams are clinic organization, which is currently working on biosecurity and inventory in the clinic as well as following up with surgical patients, and public relations which is busy with a reading buddy program at St. Jerome’s Catholic School in Vermilion, as well as planning an industry night and career fair.

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$20,000

raised at Lakeland’s

ONE STOP SHOP A new vision for Lakeland’s One Stop Shop proved successful with about $20,000 in sales and more than 400 transactions from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.

RUSTLERS TRIO GIVES STUDENT-ATHLETES A VOICE You see them in action. They compete against the best student-athletes; continue their school’s pursuit of athletic excellence; achieve personal bests and set new records.

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ow, you can learn about their experiences in their own words on student-athletestories.com.

The brainchild of Matt Peck – a bachelor of commerce student and Lakeland College Rustlers volleyball player – the new website offers collegiate athletes a platform to directly feature their stories.

“This gives them an open voice to share their story how they want to share it, not from someone else’s perspective,” says Peck, whose own story is on the website.

Enlisting the help of Lakeland students Jose Arellano, a real estate appraisal and assessment major and Rustlers volleyball player, and Ty Plandowski, a small business and entrepreneurship major and the assistant coach of the Rustlers men’s volleyball team, the trio collaborated and launched the new website in September 2018.

Student-athletestories.com features more than 20 student-athlete stories. The stories are shared by the trio from the Student Athlete Stories’ Facebook page, as well as Twitter and Instagram accounts, and are generating a great response.

“Every story is such a feel-good story. Watching them blow up on social media and get so many hits using our platform is really cool. I love seeing it,” says Peck, noting contributors must either be a past or present student-athlete. “We’ve hit Alberta really well, but we are trying to expand outside of our own league and network to get other athletes to share their story.”

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LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

The fourth annual event at the Vermilion campus featured 45 vendors from across Western Canada, up from 35 last year, and also boasted locally sourced, unique, handcrafted goods with an average price tag of $25. The shopping destination had a range of merchandise from jewelry and home furnishings to clothing and food.

About 40 agribusiness students planned and managed the one-of-a-kind studentled shopping experience.

It was previously known as Santa’s One Stop Shop. Taylor Veilleux, one of the event’s marketing coordinators, says it was important to take this year’s event in a different direction.

“We took on the role of completely rebranding the event by developing a new name, a new logo and changing our marketing approach.”

CAMPUS NEWS

TRADES FLEET EXPANDS L

akeland’s heavy equipment technician (HET) apprentices have new tools to learn with: two 2013 Peterbilt semi-trucks.

friendly engines, including Paccar and

“We will do everything with these,” says instructor Marcel Lefebvre.

“These trucks are teaching units – all of our trucks in our fleet are teaching trucks.”

“It’s 100 per cent important that we

Purchased to replace older models in the trades and technology fleet, Lefebvre says the new vehicles feature fuel-efficient, environmentally-

Cummins engines, and are valuable investments for both the college and students. keep pace with industry to ensure our students get the best that they can get to learn with,” he says.

“The plan is to continue to build our fleet.”

From air conditioning to electronics, to wheel alignments, steering and

brake systems, suspension systems and more, every part of the new Peterbilts will be part of the HET apprentices’ education.

“Every period there are different things that we teach, but there is always something we will be using on the trucks no matter what period we are teaching,” says Lefebvre.

“Everything in these trucks will be used for training. That’s the advantage of this, you don’t have to buy a simulator when you have it.”

Lakeland College recognized as one of

ALBERTA’S TOP EMPLOYERS Maternity leave top-up payments for new mothers, health and wellness spending accounts, and phased-in work options for those nearing retirement are a few of the reasons why Lakeland College was named to the 2019 Alberta’s Top Employers list. The list was released on Feb. 20 by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the company that manages Canada’s Top 100 Employers project and competitions such as Alberta’s Top Employers.

“We’re proud to be named one of Alberta’s Top 75 Employers. We have exceptional people throughout our organization who have worked together to make

Lakeland College a leading post-secondary institution not only for students but also for employees,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College.

Employers are evaluated based on the following criteria: physical workplace; work atmosphere and social; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement. Lakeland is one of five postsecondary institutions in Alberta on the 2019 list.

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LAKELAND COLLEGE EARNS

VBP+ STATUS Lakeland College is the first postsecondary institution in Alberta to attain Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) certification.

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eing recognized by this national on-farm food safety program means Lakeland’s Student-Managed Farm – Powered

by New Holland (SMF) reflects the highest standards for food safety, animal care and environmental stewardship.

Melissa Downing, Alberta VBP+ provincial coordinator (left), with Bevin Hamilton, “We’re excited to receive the VBP+ Lakeland instructor and staff adviser to the commercial beef unit (left). certification because it’s a check for us to ensure we are farming, ranching and raising cattle in a sustainable manner – Lakeland is also certified sustainable according to the Canadian Round environmentally, economically and socially.

Table of Sustainable Beef, which announced in August 2018 that VBP+ This certification proves to our consumer that is now a certification body for them, says Melissa Downing, Alberta what we are doing is right and in the best VBP+ provincial coordinator. interest of the animals,” says “Lakeland is very progressive and could be Bevin Hamilton, instructor “We’re excited to receive the an example for future producers. We can and staff adviser to the VBP+ certification because help influence students going through the commercial beef unit. it’s a check for us to ensure program so they can become familiar with it,” Hamilton is eager for students says Downing. we are farming, ranching and and consumers to know how raising cattle in a sustainable Two features of the SMF’s sustainable progressive Lakeland is about practices that shined throughout the sustainable practices. He says manner – environmentally, three-step certification process are the the certification also opens economically and socially.” use of Herdtrax, an online cattle record and increases Lakeland’s management program that tracks data from access to markets for all of calving records to nutrition and more, as well as updates to the cattle the beef sold off the farm. Approximately 220 handling equipment in the G.N. Sweet Livestock Research Facility.

SMF beef cattle fall under this certification.

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More Athabasca University degree options offered at Lakeland

Lakeland and USask announce

NEW PATHWAY PARTNERSHIP FOR BUSINESS STUDENTS University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business and Lakeland signed a Memorandum of Understanding that allows Lakeland business students to transfer to Edwards upon completion of their Lakeland business administration diploma.

The agreement will allow Lakeland students the opportunity to continue their business education and have access to an internationally accredited degree from one of Canada’s oldest business schools.

“Providing our students with more degree completion possibilities by collaborating with post-secondary partners is one of Lakeland’s priorities.

We’re very pleased that graduates of our business administration program now have the opportunity to transfer their Lakeland credits to Edwards School of Business and earn a University of Saskatchewan degree,” said Brad Onofrychuk, dean of business and energy at Lakeland.

L

akeland College and Athabasca University are growing their 14-year partnership to offer more degree pathways to Lakeland’s university transfer students.

Research for Lakeland College.

“We appreciate our partnership with Athabasca University and how it creates new complete learning pathways for students.”

This enhanced partnership provides 12 new Athabasca University degree options to university transfer students that can be completed locally starting September 2019 at Lakeland’s Lloydminster campus.

To complete these 90- and 120-credit undergraduate programs, university transfer students will take a blend of face-to-face courses offered by Lakeland College and online courses totaling 30 credits from Athabasca University.

“This partnership allows university students to start and finish their degree program without having to leave our community, which is an exciting value-added opportunity as they will have access to our student support services and more,” says Michael Crowe, vice president, Academic and

To date, university transfer students have had access to Athabasca University’s bachelor of general studies degree program.

Lakeland’s business students have also had access to universitylevel study from Athabasca University thanks to the institution’s longstanding partnership.

Beginning in fall 2019, students who successfully complete a two-year business administration diploma at Lakeland’s Lloydminster campus will be able to transfer two years of study to the four-year Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.) program at Edwards in Saskatoon.

“The new transfer credit agreement will further position students in their career paths,” said Keith Willoughby, dean of the Edwards School of Business. “We are committed to developing business professionals to build nations through new pathways and providing an outstanding student experience.”

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LAKELAND SIGNS

MOA WITH ONION LAKE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Lakeland College and Onion Lake Social Development (OLSD) are increasing employability and educational opportunities for social assistance individuals under a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Lakeland began delivery of a 21-week program, Digital Literacy for Employment, for 12 OLSD income assistance (IA) clients in January. The program is designed to build foundational technology and digital skills.

Raelean Hickson (left) and Cathy Wilson (right) of Lakeland’s continuing education department with Vivian Chief and Glenda Littlewolfe of Onion Lake Social Development (centre). They signed a Memorandum of Agreement that will bring new educational opportunities to OLSD clients.

“This digital literacy program will get our clients job ready.

They will learn to communicate information on many digital platforms, and gain confidence to find work or transition to other Lakeland programs,” says Vivian Chief, OLSD social assistance employment training caseworker.

Program delivery will rotate between Onion Lake Cree Nation and Lakeland’s Lloydminster campus. This is the first time OLSD collaborated with Lakeland to bring programming to their clients.

Lakeland College joins partnership

American Sign Language & Deaf Culture

SUPPORTING RESERVISTS

STUDIES GOES FULL-TIME

Lakeland College is among 12 Alberta post-secondary institutions that have signed a memorandum of understanding supporting Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reservists who are college employees or students.

Students will be able to enrol in Lakeland College’s American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Studies on a full-time basis starting September 2019. Currently, the program is offered part-time both online and face-toface at the Alberta School for the Deaf in Edmonton, Alta.

Offering the American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Studies program full-time at the Alberta School for the Deaf will provide students with numerous benefits.

The services of Canadian Reservists may be required by the Department of National Defence while having work or study commitments at Lakeland or partnered colleges.

Leave may be granted under this memorandum, securing their employment and accommodating their studies until they return.

“Lakeland College is proud to be a part of this agreement and show our support for Canadian Armed Forces Reservists. Throughout our history, many of our students, staff and alumni have served our country in wartime and in peacetime. We value the Canadian Armed Forces and their members’ service and sacrifice,” says Dr. Alice WainwrightStewart, president and CEO of Lakeland.

Of the approximately 90,000 dedicated men and women serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, 26,000 are Reservists. About 30 per cent of those Reservists are students.

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“Giving our students the option to take this program full-time means they will be eligible for financial aid and awards. It also promotes language skill development at a faster pace, which may be appealing to those students who continue their studies in our sign language interpretation program,” says Janice Aughey, dean for the School of Heath, Wellness and Human Services. “We will continue to offer this program on a part-time basis, however this full-time option is exciting for those students who want to accelerate their studies.”

It currently takes students two years to complete the certificate program. Those who choose the full-time option will be able to complete the program in one year.

fireball network to aid search for

METEORITES IN WESTERN CANADA Western Canada’s most advanced fireball network will automate the detection of meteorite falls.

Lakeland College’s Renewable Energy Cabin in Vermilion, Alta. is the latest location for state-of-the-art all-sky cameras. The cameras automatically capture video and still photos of meteorite-dropping fireballs.

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any Western Canadians will remember the vision of a fireball blazing across the prairie sky in November 2008, and the ensuing hunt to find what we now know was the Buzzard Coulee meteorite.

Now, the time for that hunt will be cut to a fraction, thanks to a new “fireball network,” made up of state-of-the-art all-sky cameras that will allow for the automated detection of meteorite-dropping fireballs in Western Canada, says University of Alberta scientist Chris Herd.

This advanced technology allows scientists to detect fireballs as they streak across the sky and triangulate the landing location of any rocks — meteorites — that make it to Earth’s surface. Scientists can then collect samples from the ground more rapidly than ever before, resulting in better-preserved meteorite samples and improved scientific analysis.

The new observatories are provided through an Australian Research Council grant to Phil Bland of Curtin

This story is republished courtesy of the University of Alberta.

University, in partnership with the University of Alberta.

Each observatory contains two cameras—one for taking video and another for taking still photos. Each observatory is connected to supercomputers in Australia, which will analyze the data and notify of the potential meteorite fall area within an hour of the event. Over the next two years, Herd and his colleagues will deploy units across Alberta, eastern British Columbia, and western Saskatchewan, with the long term goal of expanding from the Rocky Mountains to Manitoba.

The most recent camera installation took place at the Renewable Energy Learning Centre at Lakeland College’s campus in Vermilion, Alta. in October 2018. This location is ideal for meteorite monitoring because of its dark skies as well as Lakeland’s research expertise and state-of-the-art network connectivity at the site.

The network in Western Canada will be part of a larger, global network, including similar systems in Australia, Morocco, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and within Canada, in southern Ontario.

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CLASS NOTES

1

1. Anthony Biglieni, Class of 2006 agribusiness and crop technology, and SarahJayne (Stoop) Biglieni, Class of 2005 livestock production and Class of 2006 agribusiness, welcomed a daughter, Collins Anna, on April 26, 2018.

In October, they moved from Vermilion to Regina. Anthony is the sales and dealer development manager for SeedMaster, a company that manufactures and sells precision air drills for dryland farming around the world. He oversees the territory managers within Canada and the United States and leads dealer network strategies both in North America and export markets such as Australia. Prior to their move to Saskatchewan, SarahJayne was the academic advisor in Lakeland’s School of Agricultural Sciences.

2. Scott Guenthner, Class of 2012 livestock production, won the 2018 Canadian Rodeo Steer Wrestling Championship in Red Deer, Alta. on Sunday, Nov. 4.

This qualified him for the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

He placed 11th.

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3. Kirsten Wilkinson, Class of 2014 business administration, is the marketing coordinator for Predator Ridge Resort in Vernon, B.C. She accepted the new position after spending three successful years with Lakeland College’s events services team.

4. Dave King, Class of 1994, automotive service technician, and dean of Lakeland’s School of Trades and Technology, caught up with alumnus Kevin Visser, Class of 1998, monitoring and enforcement, at the celebration for Alberta’s Top Employers. Kevin lives in Calgary and is the senior manager, regional operations of water Canada at EPCOR. Lakeland College and EPCOR are among 75 Alberta employers that made the 2019 list.

5. Ethan Borlé, Class of 2016 renewable energy and conservation, and his brother Conner started an Indiegogo campaign to build a high-performance, sustainably built, energy-efficient tiny house. Their goal is $200,000. Search: Tiny House for You at indiegogo.com. (Not pictured)

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6. Teanna Hladun, Class of 2018 agribusiness, was recently featured in Relevance, a Saskatoon Industry Education Council publication. She works as a marketing coordinator with SynergyAG, a chain of independent agricultural retail locations. (Not pictured)

REMEMBER WHEN...

The Great Toboggan Ride: In 1987, Lakeland students set the record for the longest toboggan with the most people on it – 132 passengers on a 172’ 3’’ toboggan. The accomplishment was printed in the Guinness Book of World Records’ stunt category. The historic sled ride was held at Vermilion Provincial Park. In 2013, Lakeland students attempted the sled ride again for the college’s centennial anniversary.

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LAKELAND COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM Lakeland College announces the passing of the following alumni, past staff and alumni spouses.

Our condolences are extended to their family and friends

Olga Bohaichuk

Twyla Grandish

Edith Ollen

Class of ’47

Class of ’50

Class of ’39

Elizabeth Boorse

Clarence Graumann

Amelia Pal

Class of ‘41

(spouse)

(staff)

Bill Brockhoff

Donald Hennigar

Aileen Pettibone

Class of ’65

Class of ’78

Class of ’37

Jack Burlet

Robert Huff

Clive Rogan

Class of ’59

(Honorary Alum)

Class of ’47

Collin Calenso

David Ingledew

Travis Schenker

Class of ’54

Class of ’60

(spouse)

Ione Canning

John Kampjes

Betty Seath

Class of ’39

Class of ’58

(spouse)

Donald Chapman

Esther Kettle

Richard Secord

Class of ’75

Class of ’36

Class of ’52

William Cherniawski Class of ’28

Elaine Kisko

John Snider

(staff)

Class of ’66

Mike Chmilar

Mike Knapp

Doug Symes

Class of ’38

Class of ’49

Class of ’64

Delmer Dreger

Eric Kurz

Gordon Tucker

Class of ’37

Class of ’00

Class of ’80

Geneva Dreger

Albert Layh

Lynn Turner

(spouse)

Class of ’47

(spouse)

Marion Eggen

Jody Lecopoy

Shanelle Twigge

Class of ’54

Class of ’93

Class of ‘15

Marie Fenske

Shelley Liddle

Charles Whitesell

(spouse)

Class of ’70

Class of ’48

Roman Filipkowski

Marguerite McConnell

Class of ’35

Class of ‘37

To submit to In Memoriam, please contact Shauna Zack: shauna.zack@lakelandcollege.ca or 1.800.661.6490 ext. 8628.

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2019 Homecoming and Rose Ball Registration Form Mail registration form and payment to: Lakeland College, Alumni Office, 5707 College Drive Vermilion, AB T9X 1K5 Attention: Homecoming 2019 Registration deadline is May 31, 2019 Alumni Name: Maiden Name (if applicable):

Class Year(s):

Address: City/Town:

Province:

Postal Code:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:

Email:

Name of Guest:

If Guest is Alumnus, Class Year(s):

Event Ticket Options June 14, 15 & 16, 2019

 Option 1 - Entire Weekend

 Option 3 - All Saturday

- Friday Tailgate Party - Saturday Breakfast & AGM - Class Luncheon/Photos - Class Photo (5x7) - Afternoon Activities - Rose Ball ____x $125/person: $______

- Saturday Breakfast & AGM - Class Luncheon/Photos - Class Photo (5x7) - Afternoon Activities - Rose Ball ____x $100/person: $_____

 Option 2 - Friday Only

 Option 4 - Rose Ball

- Friday Tailgate Party ____x $25/person: $______

- Rose Ball Banquet (Band) - Midnight Lunch ____x $60/person: $______

Event Ticket Total: $_______

Class of 1969 Class of 1969 history book A wonderful keepsake!

Dietary Restrictions:

# of books: ___x $45: $______

Accommodations (Lakeland College Dorms) Thursday, June 13 Friday, June 14 Saturday, June 15

 Single Room $60  Single Room $60  Single Room $60

RV Parking at Lakeland College

 Thursday

 Double Room $80  Double Room $80  Double Room $80  Friday

 Saturday

Dorm Total: $_______ RV # of nights ___x $15: $_______ TOTAL $_______

METHOD OF PAYMENT  Cheque Enclosed (payable to Lakeland College)  Visa  MasterCard

Card Number:

Expiry Date: Name of Cardholder:

For more information contact Shauna Zack, Alumni & Donor Relations Officer Call: 780.853.8628 or 1.800.661.6490 ext: 8628 Email: shauna.zack@lakelandcollege.ca

Signature:

Lakeland College A S S O C I AT I O N

HOMECOMING 2019 June 14, 15 & 16 | Vermilion Campus

This celebration is open to all Lakeland College alumni.

Schedule of Events Thursday, June 13 2 – 5 p.m.

REGISTRATION, Alumni House RV parking is beside the dorms (see signs). Power available, but no water. If you arrive later, security 780.853.8505 can let you into your dorm room.

Friday, June 14 Noon – 5 p.m

REGISTRATION, Main Building (Alumni Hall)

5 – 8 p.m.

REGISTRATION, Spurs

6 – 11 p.m

ALUMNI WELCOME SOCIAL – Tailgate Party at Spurs (meal, socializing, cash bar)

Saturday, June 15 8 a.m. – 4 p.m

REGISTRATION, Main Building (Alumni Hall)

7:30 – 9 a.m

FREE BUFFET BREAKFAST — Cafeteria Thank you to Lakeland College Board of Governors for sponsoring this!

9 – 10:30 a.m.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – Cafeteria 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

1:30 – 4 p.m.

COLLEGE BOOKSTORE OPEN

Rose Ball

CLASS LUNCHEONS & PHOTOS Various locations on campus.

We hope you attend the luncheon as we want to include you in the photos.

GUIDED TOURS of the Vermilion Campus (Meet in front of Main Building)

Vermilion Regional Centre (directly north of campus)

4 p.m.

Registration moves to Vermilion Regional Centre

4:30 – 6 p.m.

Photo booth open for informal photos

5:30 p.m.

Cash bar

6 p.m.

Banquet & program

9 p.m.

Grand march, dance & midnight lunch

Sunday, June 16 7:30 – 11 a.m.

FAREWELL BUFFET BREAKFAST - Cafeteria (pay your own)

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Alumni House

The elegance of yesterday with the charm of today.

CONNECT WITH LAKELAND What’s new with you?

We want to know!

For a place to stay or getaway,

If you have cause for celebration, we want to share your success with your fellow alumni and friends of Lakeland. Whether it’s a professional achievement or award, new baby, marriage or milestone, submit your news to be featured in the Class Notes or Alumni Spotlight sections of our next Excel.

enjoy the charming atmosphere

Share your news, photos, program, graduation year and contact information with Shauna Zack: shauna.zack@lakelandcollege.ca or 1.800.661.6490 ext. 8628.

For room and rate information visit lakelandcollege.ca/alumni-and-friends or call 1.800.661.6490, ext. 8737

& quiet elegance of Alumni House.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Lakeland College College Advancement 5707 College Drive Vermilion Alberta T9X 1K5 Canada Post Publication Mail PM40009099