xL Spring 2011 - Lakeland College

Migration: A celebration of 20 years of learning excellence at the Lloydminster campus

Alumni & Friends Newsletter

Spring 2011

www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni

Inside: • Homecoming invitation and registration plus a new event for Lloydminster grads • Life in the fast lane for David Faber ’96 • Innovation in agriculture Blair Hill ’07 • Class notes & more …

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

Planning a trip to Vermilion?

Stay at Alumni House.

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Homecoming 2011 and Events

Alumni Coordinator: Darla Yonkman 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8628 Editor: Cathy MacKenzie Creative Design: Denise Allen LakelandxL (circ. 14,000) is published by Lakeland College’s Department of Advancement.

LakelandxL is also available at www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni/xL 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.

Vermilion Campus Homecoming 2011 June 10, 11, 12 The countdown is on! Your invitation and registration form for Homecoming 2011 is in this issue of the LakelandxL. They can also be found online at www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni.

Register early!

We can’t wait to see you! Come see the recently renovated Trades Centre and the newly constructed Student Centre.

Rez rooms & RV parking available Saturday events Brunch, photo sessions, mini workshops, tours, Alumni Association meeting, banquet & Rose Ball.

Anniversary years 50+ 1951 1956 1961 1966

1996 2001 2006

1971 1976 1981 1986 1991

We’re still looking for class reps. How ‘bout you!

More upcoming events Alumni Spring Social Edmonton, Alta.

April 16, 2011

Alumni Social Kelowna, B.C. July 23, 2011

Alumni Social Grande Prairie, Alta.

July 20, 2011

Alumni Snowbird Social Yuma, Arizona February 4, 2012

Alumni Golf Tournament Tofield, Alta.

July 21, 2011 Go to www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni for room rates and reservation details.

In memoriam Condolences to the families and friends of alumni we’ve lost: Mary L. (Stewart) Pringle ’53 Cameron Macfarlane, staff Bruce Winkler ’69 Lacey E. Longworth ’10

And new this year …

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Lloydminster campus Alumni BBQ It’s a Lakeland first. If you’re a grad from the Lloydminster campus, come home!

Lloydminster, Alta./Sask.

July 9, 2011

For details on all alumni happenings and events, go to www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni.

Campus Scene

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On the cover: Migration, created by Saskatchewan artist Laura Hale, is meant to reflect the connection between national migration and the experience of being a college student—both speak to a journey, a passage, a voyage that accompanies development, learning and growth. Migration was created with the students and staff of Lakeland College as part of the artist community residency project in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Lloydminster campus and the upcoming 100th anniversary of Lakeland College.

Celebrating 20 years of learning at the Lloydminster campus Lakeland College celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of its Lloydminster campus with an event held Friday, Jan. 7. During the celebration, the college unveiled a unique piece of artwork entitled Migration, to mark the occasion.

The creative piece is a hanging mobile of 100 birds created by Saskatchewan artist Laura Hale. Each of the 100 birds in the mobile represents a year in the college’s upcoming centennial. The commemorative art project is now permanently on display at the Lloydminster campus. The Lloydminster campus officially opened in 1990.

Alumni Association Corner Constitutional changes to make the Alumni Association stronger and to provide alternative revenue for student scholarships are on the agenda for the Annual General Meeting June 11 at the Vermilion campus. Plan to attend. Details will be posted at www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni.

This year’s Homecoming, June 10-12, 2011, at the Vermilion campus will be here soon. If you’re not in attendance, you’ll be missed. Volunteers to help organize class events are needed. If you’d like to help, call Laurie Weatherill, Alumni Association president, 780 662 3382, or the Alumni Office at 780 853 8628.

Also new this year is a Homecoming barbeque for Lloydminster campus alumni on July 9. Watch the website for details.

Long-time instructors & staff retire Lakeland College bid happy retirement wishes to four instructors and staff members in November—all long-time and familiar faces on campus. Retirees were instructors Dr. Franklin Foster (university transfer pictured above), Patty Pidruchney (appraisal & assessment), Ken Lawrence (trades), and Lloydminster campus staffer Wilf Dumont.

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Rustler Achievements

Rap

Collette slams her way to new Lakeland volleyball record

It wasn’t a matter of if—it was a matter of when.

The “when” happened Nov. 26, 2010, against the Red Deer College Queens as Brianne Collette slammed down kill number 400 to take over the top spot for kills in Lakeland College’s women’s volleyball record book. The recordbreaking kill and the 14 after it helped pace Lakeland to a pair of victories over Red Deer.

This is Collette’s fourth season with the Rustlers. The Rustler team captain’s 400th kill moved her into top spot past Stephanie Kereluk, a Rustler from 1990-1994. While owning the kills record is nice, Collette is quick to point out that team wins trump any individual records.

Knocking off Red Deer was huge for the Rustlers. After all, many of the players weren’t even born the last time it happened. “This is the first time in 24 years that Lakeland has defeated Red Deer in women’s volleyball so it was a historic weekend for our team,” says Collette.

Live online home game webcast

The six foot left-side player has been a thorn in the side of opposition teams for years. She’s been named an ACAC all-star twice and also excels academically which is why she received All-Canadian Academic honours the past two seasons. Collette earned a business diploma in 2009 and is in her final year of the bachelor of commerce program at the Lloydminster campus.

In addition to the kills record, Collette owns the Lakeland record for digs, service aces and sets played.

Go to www.gorustlers.ca for the Rustlers home game schedule. Watch them live at www.sportscanada.tv.

“It’s nice to know that when I’m done, I’ll leave behind a bit of a legacy. I’ve really loved playing at Lakeland,” she says.

College Spirit

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Family ties

jock talk

Rustlers

Rowing: Congratulations to the Rustlers’ women’s crew for capturing the Alberta University Rowing Association championship title in the fall. They also defended their title at the Head of Vermilion Regatta held at the Vermilion Provincial Park Reservoir.

Basketball: Lakeland’s men’s team worked their way to a number one ranking in Canada at the Christmas break. The team is preparing for the ACAC championship in March with the hopes of earning a trip to the national championship.

The women’s team has the benefit of the “S-Club 7” with seven student-athletes from Saskatoon, Sask. The team has earned their first playoff berth in five seasons.

Futsal: Both of Lakeland’s women’s and men’s team qualified to compete in the ACAC championship which will be held at Lloydminster March 4-5.

Rodeo: Four members of Lakeland’s Rustlers rodeo team lead the intercollegiate rodeo standings as they prepare for the College National Finals to be held in Edmonton on March 31 to April 2. They are Scott Guenthner, Sam Peters, Tyler Davis and Derek Griffith.

Another Rodeo Club member, Carolynn Vallee, had an exciting season this year as she competed for the title of Miss Rodeo Canada during the Canadian Finals Rodeo week in November.

X-country: The running Rustlers finished their inaugural season in October 2010 at the Grand Prix races and the ACAC championship.

Building on the team’s successful start, the Lakeland runners will stay on course for another season in 2011.

Soccer: Intercollegiate play kicked off at Lakeland in September 2010 with Rustlers men’s and women’s teams. Both teams turned in strong performances against teams from Red Deer, Mount Royal University, SAIT, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. They look to make more progress in their second season.

www.gorustlers.ca

Call it a sixth sense, déjà vu or history repeating itself.

When Lakeland student Katherine Perka walks around campus, she feels that much closer to her two grandfathers, both of whom passed away when she was very young.

Perka is a student in the veterinary medical assistant program at the Vermilion campus. Her grandfathers, Stan Perka ’32 and Elwood Flemming ’39, both attended Lakeland College when it was known as the Vermilion School of Agriculture.

“It’s a cool feeling to know that I’m at the same school that my grandfathers attended when they were young,” says Perka.

“I didn’t really get to know them when I was growing up as Grandpa Perka passed away when I was about three, and Grandpa Flemming struggled with Parkinson’s disease in his later years. The family connection that I have with them at Lakeland, though, is really cool.”

Other members of Perka’s family have also attended Lakeland.

Her uncle Calvin Flemming was a student as was her great uncle Ross Flemming ’36.

Words from the wise Alumnus Krystal (McKelvie) Nordick ’04 was part of a guest panel who spoke to crop technology students at the Vermilion campus.

She is the Saskatoon territory sales manager for Masterfeeds.

Joining her on the panel were Doug Elliott, a Vermilion-area grain farmer and Lakeland College board chairman, and Doug Livingstone, a grain and livestock producer and former president of Alberta Wheat Pool. In addition to her agricultural career, Nordick’s connection to Lakeland runs deep. Her husband Troy ’03 is an alumnus as are her two sisters Lacey ’09 and Sheena ’09.

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Alumni Spotlight

Meet David Faber ’96

Life in the fast lane Look out Mario Andretti. This Lakeland alum may give you a run for your money.

In professional circles, most people know David Faber ’96 as the City of Edmonton’s executive director of enterprise strategic management and branch manager of business planning and measurement. But behind that corporate exterior lies an adventurous spirit, far from the stereotypical “computer geek” persona that helped propel his career from computer systems analyst to city visionary. David Faber is an avid race car enthusiast.

“I’ve always loved sports cars and the thrill and speed of the race. I have my own race-tuned Honda S2000 that I race locally in Edmonton but certainly one of the highlights for me was going to Italy to the Ferrari factory in 2009 and driving a Ferrari F430 Spyder. That was awesome.”

Lakeland alum David Faber ’96 with wife Natasha and sons Ivan (front) and Spencer on the Pacific Ocean near Honolulu, Hawaii

Like life at the speedway, Faber’s experience as a computer whiz has been fast-paced. As a high school and college student, he ran two businesses in addition to earning solid marks and participating in school and campus life activities. At Lakeland, he was also a part of a student project team that developed a computer software program for the college to use to track alumni.

“That was a really big project for us,” says Faber, “and it attracted a lot of media attention as we were interviewed by television, radio and newspaper reporters.”

After graduating from Lakeland, Faber moved to Edmonton where he started his career as a senior information technology (IT) consultant. In 1998, his career picked up speed when he joined the City of Edmonton, first as a systems analyst, then fast-tracking to the top job as IT planning and architecture director.

In 2005, his career rounded a curve to focus on long-term planning and setting strategic direction for the city.

He now works closely with the city’s mayor, elected council and administration to integrate the city’s budget and planning, build a corporate performance management system, provide economic trend and research information, and develop knowledge management practices for the city.

“I feel so fortunate to be part of the process and to work with so many stakeholders that help to create an environment where city and residents feel connected to each other. Integrating priority areas such as environmental stewardship, economic diversification, financial sustainability, urban design, and transportation modes help connect people to their community and make life better for the people of Edmonton.”

While the responsibilities of his job are demanding, Faber works hard to maintain a healthy balance in his life. He volunteers in his community as a Scout leader and is an active member of the Rotary Club. He also maintained his connection with Lakeland College by serving as an industry representative on a program advisory committee.

Faber says he often reflects on his Lakeland days and remains in touch with many of his college friends. He adds that his Lakeland education served him well as a stepping stone and helped to inspire his love of learning. Since graduating from Lakeland, he has added to his list of education and professional credentials a bachelor of technology degree (with distinction) from NAIT, an MBA from Athabasca University, and a technology leadership designation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This spring, he will begin coursework in a leadership development program at Harvard Business School.

Alumni Spotlight

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Away from his City of Edmonton office and the race track, Faber enjoys other interests and hobbies such as composing and recording electronic music, and flying a Cessna 172 with his dad. He also enjoys travelling with his family.

“I was born in Switzerland and when my family first moved to Canada, we lived in Montreal. Then we moved to Lloydminster. I’d like to be able to let my sons experience as many different customs and cultures as possible when they’re young.”

Now living in Edmonton, life at home with the Faber family is equally full. Faber’s wife, Natasha, also from Lloydminster, is a third degree jiu jitzu black belt and operates her own dojo. Sharing her husband’s love of learning, she frequently travels to Japan to advance her own training and is studying to become a registered massage therapist.

Their two active tween-aged sons, Ivan, 12, and Spencer, 10, are involved in a range of school and community activities such as scouting, fencing and indoor rock climbing.

“Life is never dull, but I guess that’s what life is all about,” says Faber. “Whether it’s on a large city scale or a smaller one, community living is about integrating everyone’s needs to create a sustainable, happy living environment where everyone feels connected. That’s what makes life exciting.”

Jennifer Keller ’04 prepares for trip to Antarctic

Leadership on the edge of the world A Lakeland alumnus is preparing for an incredible two-week experience where she’ll learn how she can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Jennifer Keller will spend most of March in Antarctica participating in “Leadership on the Edge”, a program run by renowned polar explorer Robert Swan and his crew from the organization he created called “2041”.

The organization is named 2041 after the year the moratorium expires which prevents any mining or industrial exploration in Antarctica. The goal of the 2041 organization is simple; “To protect Antarctica and the rest of our planet, we must inspire leaders to return home and create change on the personal level, the community level, the corporate level and beyond,” says Swan.

Keller, a fellow coworker and six other Canadians are among a group of approximately 70 people from around the world who will explore the Antarctic Peninsula for two weeks and then bring back information and skills to create awareness about the continent’s fragile ecosystem.

Keller, a graduate of environmental conservation and reclamation in 2002 and bachelor of applied science: environmental management in 2004, is an environmental specialist with Solstice Canada Corp. She lives in her hometown of Edmonton and currently manages a group which specializes in site remediation, reclamation, decommissioning, and approvals management.

“Our trip is sponsored solely by Solstice, which is a huge investment given the size of our company and the cost of the expedition. We expect to bring back information and skills to help our company, and also to share our experiences to create awareness on how vulnerable Antarctica is,” says Keller.

Keller will be at Lakeland College’s Vermilion campus on April 7 to present information gained from her experiences in the Antarctic. Times and locations are available on the Lakeland College website.

To learn more about Leadership on the Edge and 2041, visit www.2041.com.

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Class Notes

Class Notes There’s a familiar face on campus but this time in a new role. Diane Winter ’10, who double shifted as an office admin student while working as a caretaker at the Vermilion campus, recently joined the college’s facilities and services office staff. Congratulations!

Anja Sorensen ’09 put her environmental sciences field skills to work this summer as she worked for the Canadian Wildlife Service banding ducks. She is now in her final year at the University of Alberta to earn a bachelor of science degree in environmental and conservation sciences, majoring in conservation biology.

Dana MacMillan ’03 and Roddy McNinch tied the knot October 23, 2010. Dana is a crop production solutions representative for UFA. Roddy, a grad of Dickenson State University, is from Mervin, Sask.

Photograph by Kathy Lovell

Leanne Henderson ’96 has changed her last name to Christensen after she married her best friend Derek on May 23, 2009. Leanne’s best college friend Stacy (Keetch) Stang ’96 was one of her bridesmaids.

On campus, the dynamic duo were known as Snort and Screech.

Leanne and Derek now live in Vegreville, Alta. She works for the department of Citizenship and Immigration.

During a January break in the Korean school year, Rodney “Radar” Allison ’83 returned to Canada and stopped by the Vermilion campus for a brief visit. He was on his way home to see his parents in High River, Alta. Since 1999, Rodney has been in Korea, first teaching English to university students, and then later teaching English in Korea’s public school system.

He currently teaches middle level classes at an all boys’ school in the town of Hampyeong. He often travels to other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands and Sweden during his Korean school breaks but also returns to Canada once a year.

Rodney is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association and is a new fan of Lakeland College Canada Alumni on Facebook. Rodney says during his free time, he’ll try to track down friends and instructors from Lakeland. He’d also like to connect with Lakeland alum who now work in other parts of the world. He invites other alum to contact him by emailing rallison@ualberta.net. fan us on Lakeland College Canada

After graduating from Vermilion College, Bill Bentley ’59 returned to Progress, B.C., to help run the family farm where they specialized in raising purebred Horned Hereford cattle. Bill and his brother Doug are the second generation on the ranch and are business partners in Benwyn Farm Ltd., located 32 km west of Dawson Creek, B.C. They run some 800 head of cattle.

Bill and his wife Bernice have three grown children, Glenda, Monte and Regan. Bill serves as president of the B.C. South Peace Stockmen’s Assoc. and is a long-standing director on the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association Board. He serves on the Cattle Industry Development Council, the B.C. Cattlemen’s Environmental Stewardship Committee and the B.C. Livestock Protection Committee. He also serves on the Dawson Creek Auction Mart committee and is president of the Dawson Creek All Breeds Bull Sale committee.

Celebrate our 100th Anniversary in 2013

P 7 Staff donors may choose to direct their donations to support specific awards, such as memorial scholarships, while others choose to create endowment funds in a family name. Others may also choose to support a specific program, while others will choose to support the area of greatest need.

Lakeland staff walk the talk in fundraising campaign Nationwide, basic living and educational costs such as tuition, books, housing and groceries are on the rise. With more college students dealing with more financial pressures, Lakeland employees are stepping up to the plate to lend a hand.

As part of the college’s Centennial fundraising drive, $148,317 has been pledged as of Dec. 31, 2010, by college administration, faculty and support staff.

This amount, with the assistance from the remaining portion of the Alberta government’s matching grant program, jumps to about $380,000 that will directly impact Lakeland students.

The new funds will be used to create new student scholarships and bursaries­(many of which will be handed out for the first time in the college’s centennial year in 2013) and replenish funds for existing awards.

Heather MacMillan, manager of staff donor awards at Lakeland, says the response from staff towards the campaign has been very positive and encouraging.

“Our staff get it. They recognize their involvement and action is part of something really important,” says MacMillan.

The benefits of a staff campaign to support student scholarships and awards are multifold. Not only do awards, scholarships and bursaries provide financial relief for students, but they also help with student recruitment and retention.

“Options for giving are many and we want staff donors to find a plan that best suits them,” says MacMillan. “The common thread that connects all donors is that they are all excited to be part of something that will be in place for a long, long time.

Their generosity will help generations of students long after we are gone.”

How is Lakeland College funded today?

How times have changed. Only ten short years ago, 85 per cent of funds to operate Lakeland College were provided through government grants. In 2010-2011, only about 58 per cent of projected operating funds come from government sources.

But this is not all bad news as post-secondary institutions are called upon to ensure that they maintain an effective and efficient organization. In this regard, Lakeland College has excelled as it is only one of two post-secondary institutions in Alberta entering the 2011-2012 academic year with zero staff layoffs as a result of the college’s operating budget.

This is due to the special consideration of all staff and faculty who agreed to forgo permanent pay raises for the 2010-2011 academic year.

So where does the remaining 42 per cent of the college’s operating budget come from?

• 1 9 per cent comes from student fees. For most programs, this amount covers students’ education costs for about six weeks. So from the first day of class until mid-October, the cost of operating the college is paid from tuition and other fees.

“More new students can come to college if more scholarship and bursary money is available,“ says MacMillan. “Similarly, scholarships and bursaries help students remain in their program and concentrate on their studies. They don’t have to worry about finding money to pay for rent or groceries.”

• 2 3 per cent comes from donations, investment income, sales and rentals of services and miscellaneous income streams. This pays for another seven weeks of education costs, taking the non-governmental funding support to approximately 13 weeks (about early December) of the academic year.

With several options to participate, most staff choose monthly payroll deduction. Annual and quarterly lump sum contributions are also welcome.

With less post-secondary education costs covered by government funding, the college strives to become less dependent on the government as its sole source

Celebrate our 100th Anniversary in 2013

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of funding to provide educational opportunities for prospective students. This is why support from individual donors, businesses and corporations becomes so important. The impact of these funding partners will enable Lakeland College to grow and provide more opportunities for generations of young people so that they may follow their educational pursuits that will result in sustainable incomes and bright futures.

Be a hands-on learning facilitator Here is an opportunity for you, as a college alumni or friend, to immediately help Lakeland students and instructors. How? By helping to fund or donating a piece of desperately needed equipment to be used for hands-on learning and teaching experiences in Lakeland classrooms and labs.

With the recent downturn in the economy and more capital equipment needs, the college hasn’t been able to keep up with funding for these items.

What do students & instructors need?

50 HP arena & farm tractor

$ 35,000

Feed wagon

$ 50,000

Garmin GPS receivers (25 units)

$ 12,500

Permanent horse fences

$ 40,000

Hydraulic surgery table

$

Bunker gear (personal protective equipment)

$ 55,000

Propane fired props for fire tower

$ 250,000

4WD ATV with hydraulic hoist

$ 20,000

Cargo trailers (2)

$ 16,000

8 man rowing shell – college rowing team -

$ 29,800

Ice machine

$

4,000

3,750

Dillion Ed Jr Dynamonmeter

$

1,950

Your support is greatly appreciated. Tax receipts will be provided for donated equipment as gifts-in-kind and for cash donations.

Anesthetic monitor

$

5,000

Utility vehicles

$ 20,000

For details please contact Phil Allen V.P. of Advancement, at phil.allen@lakelandcollege.ca or phone 780 871 5785.

Heavy vehicle extrication bags

$ 41,500

Medium vehicle extrication bags

$ 45,500

Industrial washer & dryer

$ 15,800

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Send us your email address to alumni@lakelandcollege.ca

Membership pays …

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Be a member of the Lakeland College Alumni Association and you’ll receive discounts on Homecoming registration, Alumni House stays, Imagewear items at Mark’s Work Wearhouse, car and home insurance rates and more. You’ll wonder why you didn’t join sooner.

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To learn about more alumni benefits and to join, go to www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni.

Celebrate our 100th Anniversary in 2013

Donor Options

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Planned giving In the last issue of the LakelandxL, two planned giving options through will bequests and life insurance were discussed. Here are two more options available to donors. # 3 - Donation of Securities The donation of securities as a donation method is becoming more popular and it is a great way to reduce the impact of capital gains. Lakeland College’s securities account number is available upon request.

Examples of securities include: • Publicly listed securities. The taxable capital gain from the transfer of publicly listed securities to the college is now zero per cent. Examples include publicly traded stocks, bonds, mutual funds, futures and GICs. • Unused portions of registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) or registered retirement income funds (RRIFs). Receive a charitable donation receipt to offset any taxes owed.

• Creating a charitable gift annuity that gives you an assured fixed income for life (plus a charitable donation receipt) in return for the gift.

Lakeland College has been blessed with a few of these over the years. Many property gifts have come through will bequests which the college has been able to sell and make cash gifts on behalf of the donor to create an endowed scholarship or bursary in the name of the individual or family. This method helps reduce capital gains to the estate.

Any property with a cash value determinable at the time of transfer can be gifted to Lakeland College.

In return, your charitable gift can be used to reduce your taxes now. An irrevocable transfer of property in the form of qualifying securities, real estate or personal possessions such as jewelry or works of art enable you to receive a tax receipt for the full value of your gift. Tax receipts are based on the appraisal by a certified third party appraiser.

For all gifts and donations, we highly recommend you consult the appropriate tax and legal professionals to discuss giving options that best suit your personal financial situation.

For more information or to discuss this further, contact Phil Allen, Vice President of Advancement at phil.allen@lakelandcollege.ca or 780 871 5785.

Lakeland College’s Registered Charity No. 119002731RR0001.

Gifts by the numbers Total $ raised since October 2010: A whopping 422% increase from October 2009!

Average gift increase from last year: $88.67 to $265.08 per alumni Increase in donors from October 2009: 73% $ raised in 2010 by anniversary class gifts: $5,000+

Thanks to our Alumni donors!

“I am overwhelmed with the support of our alumni throughout 2010. I am amazed by the growth of donation value and the number of donors. You truly know what it means to impact the life of another. Through your generosity, you are helping Lakeland students with more awards, scholarships and bursaries. As an alumnus of Lakeland College, I too know the true value of an education and what it means to give back to something that can change people and make them who they are today.”

Delia Morgan

Manager, Alumni & Fund Development

Meet Blair Hill ’07

Agricultural innovator by modest proportions If you’re driving around Taylor, B.C., this summer and see an odd-looking field crop, chances are it is a field of tillage radish being tested by Lakeland alum Blair Hill ’07.

Tillage radish is used as a cover crop to keep soil loose and return nutrients to the soil. For no-till farmers, the radishes help enrich the soil, retain moisture and reduce erosion. For farmers who subsoil, the radishes can potentially eliminate that operation. For innovative farmers, like Hill, who are willing to take a risk, it could be a valuable option as a sustainable agricultural practice.

“As a farmer, I don’t mind experimenting with technological advances or new practices that would improve our farming operation or sustain the health of the land,” says Hill. “But I do it cautiously.”

At 26 years of age, Hill plays a major role in running the family farm alongside his parents Colleen and Gordon. Together, they farm approximately 2,000 acres and grow cereal, forage and oilseed crops and pedigreed seed.

He is the only one of the family’s four children to take an active interest in farming.

He adds that of the four of them, he would have been the least likely to move so far from home to go to college.

“As it turned out, I moved the farthest of my siblings after my mom and dad learned about Lakeland College at an Alberta farm show,” says Blair, the youngest Hill.

The Hill family farm has strong roots in the Taylor, B.C., area. It was established when grandfather Paul Hill’s family moved to the area from Saskatchewan in the 1930s. Now 87 years of age, Grandpa Paul still lives on the original homestead and often comes out to help during seeding or harvest and keeps track of what’s going on in the yard.

“If Grandpa had a younger body, he’d still be farming today. Agriculture is a very big part of who he is. I’ve learned a lot from him.”

That kind of appreciation of family and commitment to the agricultural industry influenced Hill’s decision to support Lakeland College’s Comprehensive Centennial Campaign. His donation, the largest gift made to date by a member of an agricultural sciences graduating class from the last decade, will help support many future students in Lakeland College’s agricultural programs.

“If I can provide support to someone so that they can go to college or stay in college, I’m happy to do it,” says Hill.

“When I was at Lakeland I received four scholarships and awards. Receiving the awards was very meaningful to me.

It helped reaffirm that I made the right decision to go to college and it gave me confidence that I was on the right career path. For anyone in a similar position, I’d encourage them to do the same. It’s very worthwhile.”

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