Spring 2014 Alumni & Friends Newsletter
In this issue • • • • •
•••
SPRING 2014
••• Lakeland alumni are Outstanding Young Farmers Tyson Lancaster both teacher and student Lakeland inductees into ACAC Hall of Fame Class Notes and Lakeland updates Distinguished Alumni award recipients
www.lakelandcollege.ca/alumni
Upcoming Alumni Events Alumni Coordinator: Darla Yonkman 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8628 Editor: Kelly Sidoryk Creative Design: Denise Allen Cover photo: Richard and Nicole Brosseau, Outstanding Young Farmers 2014 for the Alberta/NWT region.
18 Holes of Golf • Silent Auction • Prizes
Lakeland College Golf Tournament presented by
June 26 Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre $250/golfer
$1000/team(4)
Contact Khursten 780 871 5401 today to enter your team.
Lakeland College motto:
Grab and Go Breakfast • Complimentary food & drink on the course • Steak Supper LakelandxL (circ. 13,000) is published by Lakeland College’s Department of Advancement. LakelandxL is also available on Lakeland College’s website at www.lakelandcollege.ca 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.
Grande Prairie Alumni Social – July 16 Dunvegan, Alta. Contact Alice Fortier – 780 532 6662 or Eric Stamp – 780 766 2464
Lacer the Racer Golf Tournament – July 26 Vermilion Golf and Country Club Contact Peter Walsh – 780 853 8586 or 780 853 4973
Westlock Alumni Social – August 8 (NEW) Westlock Memorial Hall Contact George McMillan – 780 349 2404
Yuma Alumni Snowbirds Social – Feb. 7, 2015 Contact Ron & Shirley Goeglein – 928 342 4578 or Ron & Shirley Lindsay – 928 342 4400
Contributions
Homecoming 2015 – June 12, 13 & 14
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.
Vermilion Campus Contact Crystal Gilbertson – 780 549 9119
Publications mail agreement No. 40009099 Return undeliverable addresses to Lakeland College Alumni House 5707 College Drive Vermilion, Alberta, Canada T9X 1K5 1 800 661 6490 www.lakelandcollege.ca
In memoriam
Lakeland College announces the passing of the following alumni. Our condolences are extended to their families and friends: Carl Eyben ’57 Christina Whitlock ’64 Cliff MacCabe ’49 Craig Nearing ’63 Douglas Davidson ’12 Dyann Smith ’54 Ernest Trudel ’52 Eugene Senetza ’88
Garth Osbaldeston ’49 Jay Quayle ’01 Ken Cox ’62 Nicholas Holwach ’54 Harold Roebuck ’56 Barbara Shearer (Spouse) Irene Pelz (Spouse) Bob Heller (Past Staff)
••• message •••
Message from the Alumni Coordinator who completed the agriculture program at our college in 1949. Allan has made an extraordinary difference in his community and in Alberta through volunteer work. Rob Saunders, one of the first students to take the heavy oil operations technician program in Lloydminster, was the recipient of the Lloydminster Campus Distinguished Alumni Award. Rob is now the mayor of Lloydminster. You will find stories on our 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients in this publication. The xL magazine is created to celebrate alumni and our college. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories. We are all connected and have begun our journey for the next 100 years together. During the last few weeks we celebrated the close of the college’s 96th academic term with convocation ceremonies at the Vermilion campus and the Lloydminster campus. One of the highlights of these ceremonies is the presentation of Distinguished Alumni Awards. This year the Vermilion Campus Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Allan Shenfield
We take pride in the accomplishments of our alumni. As you can see by our new program initiatives featured in this magazine Lakeland College strives to provide learning opportunities that meet the needs of the people we serve. We are here for our students and will continue to provide the best learning experiences we can. The Lakeland College Alumni Association has been working hard to provide our alumni with opportunities for fellowship. The Association’s new manager is Crystal Gilbertson. As the Alumni Coordinator I look forward to our continued partnership. Please support and join your Alumni
Association as they are here for you. They plan events like homecomings, socials, trips and much more. As you “Live the Learning” and move toward new beginnings in your life please make sure you keep in touch with us and update your address. We want to stay in touch with you. As our programs expand and change you may wish to return and continue your education at Lakeland College. We would be happy to have you. We have many avenues of communication for you to connect with us: Alumni Facebook fan page (www.facebook.ca/ LakelandCollegeAlumni); the Alumni and Friends website www.lakelandcollege.ca/ alumni); phone 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8628; email darla.yonkman@ lakelandcollege.ca; Twitter@ DarlaYonkman or stop by the alumni office located in Alumni House on the Vermilion campus. Hope you enjoy the xL!
Darla Yonkman ’04 Alumni Coordinator
The spirit of the Association
Crystal Gilbertson is proud to join the Lakeland College Alumni Association. Contact her at 780 549 9119 or crystalgilbertson2@gmail.com
The Alumni Association wants to hear from all alumni about what you would like to see from your association. We will be holding a general meeting on the Vermilion campus on September 6, 2014 at 10:30 am. Our goal is to find out what alumni want their association to do for them, and to determine where we should concentrate our efforts. If you can’t attend the meeting but have ideas to share, please contact Crystal.
780 549 9119 AlumnixL
1
••• Association News •••
Looking toward the future while embracing the past Your Alumni Association is pleased to announce that we have hired Crystal Gilbertson in the newly created manager position. Crystal comes to us with a wealth of experience and enthusiasm; she will be a great resource in helping us expand our reach. Crystal welcomes all alumni to contact her to talk about where you would like to see us head in the future and discuss how you feel your Alumni Association membership has benefited you. This is not only a way to remain connected with their college roots; we also have some fun and exciting events and new initiatives that are sure to grab your attention!
We welcome your involvement, volunteer opportunities exist in almost any capacity and level of time commitment that suits you. We host many alumni socials throughout the year and are always looking for exciting ways to help our alumni stay engaged. If you would like to start an alumni chapter, host an event in your area, be a mentor, sit on a committee, or help with existing events let us know and we can get you started! Lakeland College has always had strong ties to the community and former students. Ensuring our rich and diverse history remains intact continues to be a source of
pride that is uniquely Lakeland. Increasing Alumni membership is an imperative part of protecting that legacy. Contact Crystal today to purchase your membership at the current rates before the increase of 2015.
Bill Fox ’58 President Alumni Association
Join us and make a
difference!
Showcase your alumni passion! Planning on attending the Westlock Alumni Social in August? Why not stop by the Westlock Pioneer Museum or the Canadian Tractor Museum? Elmer Guelly ’61 of Westlock, a retired mechanic and grain farmer, joined the Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club in 1992 and began his journey restoring old tractors.
2 AlumnixL
In 2000 the Canadian Tractor museum was built in Westlock and displays over 100 tractors, five of which are Elmer’s. When you first arrive at the tractor museum, you will notice a beautiful restored vehicle. Alum Albert Miller ‘49 did a wonderful job restoring this masterpiece. Also at the Pioneer Museum, alum Bernard Wiese has an impressive display of phonographs. With over
200 music machines it is one of the most extensive collections in Western Canada! If you are an alumnus with an interesting hobby drop us a line. We would love to hear from you!
••• Association travel •••
Travel the world with the Alumni Association Have you always dreamed about exploring the world? Perhaps you want to explore it differently, look deeper into the cultures and wildlife of an area. The Alumni Association wants to help your travel dreams come true with our new travel initiative! We have partnered with Blue Water Adventures, AHI Travel, and Quest Nature Tours to give our members exciting opportunities to explore the globe in ways they never have before. Our 2015 featured trips include Blue Water Adventure tours to Northern Vancouver Island, where we will observe orcas, totems and grizzlies. AHI’s Swiss Alps & The Italian Lakes, where you will explore Switzerland and Italy by rail, cable car and boat. And finally Quest Nature tours Western Newfoundland, nature by sea and land, which takes us to one of the best places there is to see North American nature in all its glory. This is just a start! Let us know where you would like to travel. Our Alumni Expeditions will make travel joyful and adventurous by introducing thought provoking destinations all around the world. Make sure we have your updated mail and email addresses so we can keep you informed about upcoming trips.
Join us for an exclusive educational and travel experience in the Swiss Alps & the Italian Lakes. Indulge in the cosmopolitan ambience of the jet set resort town on St. Moritz, nestled in an Upper Engadine valley. Steep your self in traditional Swiss mountain culture with a visit to the picturesque village of Zuoz. Board the historic Bernina Express and trace a scenic Alpine rail route to Tirano. A portion of this amazing journey is distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Milan and see Leonardo da Vinci’s magnificent “The Last Supper.” Embark on leisurely cruises on three of Italy’s magnificent lakes - Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. Contact AHI - 1 800 323 7373
Venture with us to Northern Vancouver Island. There are few places in the world that can provide consistent, safe and incredible grizzly bear viewing. Glendale Cove up Knight Inlet is one of them, and has now become one of British Columbia’s premier wildlife viewing sites. The opportunity to observe grizzlies feeding on spawning salmon up Knight Inlet, orcas and humpback whales feeding in Johnstone Strait make this trip unique. Join us onboard the Island Odyssey for an adventure through Northern Vancouver Island. You will be amazed at the number of bald eagles, colorful seabirds such as oyster catchers, pigeon guillemots and rhinoceros auklets, and large numbers of smaller water birds, such as phalaropes. We will visit the U’Mista Cultural Centre which now holds some of the famous potlatch masks and other interesting artifacts. A maze of islands and waterways, full of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and the history and traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. Contact Blue Water Adventures - 1 888 877 1770
Come with us to the Western Newfoundland summer odyssey which takes us to one of the best places we know to see North American nature in all its glory. With luck we’ll observe some of the many moose and caribou that inhabit the island. On the seemingly barren lands of the Great Northern Peninsula, we’ll find rare alpine flowers and orchids blooming in the fantastic limestone topography. We’ll cross the Strait of Belle Isle to Labrador, watching for Northern Fulmar and shear waters. We’ll hope to spot several of the species of whales that migrate through the Strait of Belle Isle, including humpback whales and orcas breaching the surface of the water. The opposing southerly iceberg migration allows for brief intervals where the triple play of birds, whales and icebergs may happily coexist. Highlights of our tour will be visits to the World Heritage Site of L’Anse aux Meadows, where the Vikings established the first European settlement in North America about 1000 years ago, and the Basque whaling site at Red Bay. Contact Quest Nature Tours - 1 800 387 1483 AlumnixL
3
••• bert featherstonE xL •••
Giving Back to the Community By April Hudson, the Stony Plain Reporter – Reprinted with permission from the Stony Plain Reporter.
When Bert Featherstone’s daughters got involved in Brownies and Girl Guides, he became the local scout leader. It wasn’t directly related to what his daughters were doing, but it was a way to contribute something, to give back to his community. That’s the way Bert has always been: if someone does something nice for you, you do something nice for someone else. It’s that mentality that’s earned him the respect and goodwill of those in Wabamun. Bert was born and raised just north of Wabamun, but left for about 40 years. He and his wife headed to the coast for a bit and
4 AlumnixL
spent time around Hinton, moving back to Wabamun after their kids were grown and gone. Although it may not be the community they raised their children in, Bert’s pay-it-forward mentality keeps him passionate about doing what he can for the area. If something needs doing he steps up to the challenge. “I do it just to make the place a little better,” Bert says. “But it’s not just one person who does these things: it’s a group. It’s a bunch of people and that is very important.” At 75, Bert is still active in the community around Wabamun. He’s the man behind some of the community’s most needed initiatives, including Citizens on Patrol, which he took over after moving to Wabamun. “One of the members of council asked if there was anyone who would resurrect it and get it going, so I decided we would do that,” he says. “In the beginning, it kicked off really well – we started off with about 20 members, which in a small community like that is pretty good.” Citizens on Patrol has dwindled to about half that, but Bert and his fellow members still go out for evening patrols – although, he laughs, “those middle-of-thenight trips get a little earlier every night.” “As citizens on patrol, we don’t arrest anybody, we don’t confront anybody, we just let everybody know we’re there, and if we see anything (suspicious) we get in touch with the RCMP,” he says. “No one likes to see anybody tear their community up or have less than decent people living in it, so we try to just get in their way.”
That’s something Bert is especially proud of, but his friends in the community also know him as the man behind the Wabamun Ratepayers Association. That’s a group he formed a few years ago to give his neighbours a platform to express any political concerns they have. “The idea was to give people an opportunity to voice their opinions … because most people don’t like to go in and confront politicians, so if you can take that information and feed it back to groups that require it or can do something about it, that was the idea,” he says. “It was a kind of contribution to the village – we may not have always been in that community, but it was payback for the communities we’d lived in.” Bert is also a familiar face around the Senior Citizens Association, and although he says he’s not as active as he used to be he still joins a group that loads up excess clothes and product to donate to Africa With Care. To a community that gives so much to its members, Bert says somebody had to give back, and he has no problem filling those shoes. “The seniors contributed a considerable amount of money for us to kick off our Citizens on Patrol,” he explains. “This is just kind of a token contribution to give back.”
•••
Bert Featherstone is an alumnus of Vermilion School of Agriculture Class of 1959 and served on the Alumni Executive from 2004-2011.
••• Socials •••
Alumni Socials
Yuma Social Feb. 1, 2014.
Edmonton Social April 26, 2014.
twitter @lcalumniasso
Spread the word. As a Lakeland alumnus, you can advertise your business in the LakelandxL Newsletter and on the alumni website. Our alumni newsletter goes to over 13,000 alumni across Canada, the U.S., and globally. Simply email the name of your business, type of service and contact information to Darla Yonkman at darla.yonkman@lakelandcollege.ca. For more information, call Darla at 780 581 4372.
AlumnixL
5
••• scholarships •••
Wingrove Scholarship The nightly dances at the Vermilion School of Agriculture (VSA) played a major role in the courtship of Arden and Olga Wingrove. Both attended VSA from 1948 to 1950. In July 1953 they married and started farming in the Westlock area. Over time both the farm and family grew. As were most in those days, theirs was a mixed farm with grain, hay, cattle, hogs, milk cows and laying hens to help pay for the groceries. The cowcalf enterprise grew to 150 head. Both loved the farm and working on the land. Arden was instrumental in organizing the Black Bear Grazing Reserve. He was the CEO for 32 years. After 18 years of marriage Olga expanded her responsibilities to include a job at the dental office in Westlock. She then worked to earn her dental assistant diploma, via
correspondence and a practicum at NAIT on the weekends. Later she took a bookkeeping course and went on to work for the UFA. Education was important to the Wingroves and for their six children. Their four daughters are all in the medical field. One son is a linesman and the other a teacher. While at VSA, Arden received a scholarship for animal husbandry. Years later, as president of the Alumni Association, Arden was a strong leader and active in the association until he passed away in 2011. The time they spent at college meant a great deal to the Wingroves. It is in this spirit that they developed a scholarship as well as donated a “college green” bench that is at the south entrance of Alumni Hall.
•••
Laverne Lewis Scholarship Even though Laverne Lewis was not an official alumna, she was always a strong supporter of Lakeland College. Her husband Jack Lewis attended the Vermilion School of Agriculture. A deep connection has continued with many in the Lewis family. Laverne helped get Alumni House up and running with the donation of furniture – furniture that is still being used 25 years later. Laverne, the only child of a doctor and a nurse, was raised in Edmonton and Vilna. She was not familiar with country living but embraced it after marrying Jack. She was actively involved in all aspects of Lewis Farms. Started in 1932 by Jack’s father, the original 320 acres now encompasses 800 6 AlumnixL
acres of seed potatoes, 3000 acres of grain and 800 head of purebred Simmental and Angus cattle. Family was extremely important to Laverne and she took on the role of family photographer and scrapbooked. Beyond the farm, she was involved in the Women’s Institute, Meals on Wheels and assisted Jack with Rotary and many of his duties with various agricultural organizations. She passed away in 2005. She and Jack had three children. Son Roy is a veterinarian and drug rep for a veterinary pharmaceutical company in Millarville and teaches at the University of Calgary. He and his wife Carol have two children, Colton and Cali. Son Ken and his
wife Corrie run Lewis Farms. They have two sons, Kirbie and Kyle, who is a Lakeland grad. Daughter Sandy is also involved in Lewis Farms and manages the office. She has three children, Jamie, Jordan and Tyler. Jordan and Tyler are also Lakeland alumni. Jack says Laverne always enjoyed visits back to the college so Jack started the Laverne Lewis Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is available to agricultural sciences students at the Vermilion campus and awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement.
•••
••• AWARDS •••
First year teacher wins Edwin Parr Award
Despite winning a major teaching award, Lakeland alumnus Tyson Lancaster ’11 still considers himself a student. He is inspired by the quote of educator Harry Wong, “We are both students and teachers. We are at our best when we teach ourselves what we need to learn.” Lancaster, a teacher at Dewberry School, is one of six first year teachers in Alberta to win an Edwin Parr Award in 2014. It is evident when you walk into Lancaster’s classroom that he adopts an inquiry based model of teaching. “I like to let the students explore, make mistakes, be uncomfortable, then discover,” he says. Making learning an authentic experience with skills that students can transfer to other parts of their life is important to Lancaster. One of his class projects, the coat of many colors, illustrates much about his teaching. The class listened to Dolly Parton’s song Coat of Many Colors and then talked about everyone’s differences, as well as what was important to each individual and who they are as a learner. Students created their own personal coat of many colors.
Lancaster teaches a variety of subjects and ages from Grades five and six core subjects to Grade one drama and Grade nine health. Shortly after arriving at Dewberry School he put on a junior high vaudeville production with 20 students who had not acted before. For Lancaster, who comes from Sedgewick, Alta., two years in university transfer at Lakeland was definitely the best choice. “Thanks to Lakeland I was able to get through all the course materials when I went to the University of Alberta. I just had to get used to life in the city. If I was to do it all over again I would do the exact same thing,” he says. Lancaster lived in residence and was VP of the Lloydminster campus Students’ Association. Community involvement is important to Lancaster and he took advantage of many opportunities available at Lakeland and in Lloydminster. This philosophy has extended beyond his college years and he is active in the community where he now teaches. “A big part of teaching is being in the community so you can get to know kids outside of school and vice versa,” he adds.
While at Lakeland, Lancaster was awarded the President’s Medal. The award recognizes a graduating student who has demonstrated both academic excellence and leadership in student activities. While earning honours in second year university transfer and serving as VP academic he worked as a peer tutor, was a member of the academic council, head of the class rep committee, and volunteered at the Vic Juba Community Theatre. The Edwin Parr Award is sponsored by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) and recognizes first year teachers who have demonstrated exceptional and innovative teaching skills in the classroom. Superintendent Bob Allen said, “Tyson exemplifies the hard work, dedication and outside the box thinking that helps to make the classroom come alive for our students.” “Sometimes I see a little me in them,” says Lancaster of his students. That is one of the things that make him a great teacher.
•••
AlumnixL
7
••• ABOUT US •••
Big win for Lakeland Business Team
Pictured (L to R): Brad Onofrychuck (faculty), Susan Darroch, Callie Larson (captain), Kirsten Wilkinson, Thomas Hussey, Nick Gulak and Judy Sarsons (Dean of Business). It was a $4,000 history-making, first place finish for five Lakeland College business students who captured the 2014 Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition. Callie Larson, Thomas Hussey, Susan Derroch, Nick Gulak and Kirsten Wilkinson secured Lakeland’s first victory in nine years of competition. Other Lakeland College teams have come close—placing second and third. “This team really put in the extra effort and it paid off,” says Brad Onofrychuk, team facilitator.
8 AlumnixL
He is also an instructor and chair of the business department. Competition is intense as 13 teams of students from colleges across the province are presented with a business problem, and then have 10 hours to come up with an analysis, solution and presentation. The next day they make a 12 minute presentation followed by a five minute question and answer period with industry specialists. The presentations are judged on key issues, solutions, defending their proposal and overall presentation.
Lakeland’s team made the best case for 2014’s competition business, Yanjing, a Chinese rice beer, now brewed in Canada. Company founder Shu Guo was one of the judges and also made the cheque presentation to the winning Lakeland team. “She spoke very favorably of the team on both strategy and presentation,” says Onofrychuk. Lakeland’s team was sponsored by Servus Credit Union and Hawkings Epp Dumont.
•••
••• rustlers •••
ACAC Inductees
Michele Genereux All-Canadian All-Conference Team Women’s Volleyball 1985-86 & 1986-87 It’s fitting that volleyball was the reason Michele (Genereux) Prince ’87 was unable to attend her induction ceremony into the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Hall of Fame. The former Rustler volleyball standout missed the May 10th ceremony because she was coaching her daughter’s U18 volleyball team at the Canadian Open in Edmonton. “I would have loved to have been there. I was so surprised to be named to the Hall of Fame. It really means a lot to me to be recognized for my play while at Lakeland. I have lots of great memories of our teams and of the college. I was on my own for the first time - I grew up quickly during my two years there,” says Prince. Coach David Kaye recruited Prince while she was in high school in Edmonton. Unsure of what she wanted to do in the future, she took a year off from school before committing to the Rustlers in 1985. “I wanted to get out of Edmonton and my sister lived in the Vermilion area. I called David and asked if he was still interested in me playing at Lakeland. He told me he was
so away I went,” says Prince. She enrolled in the appraisal and assessment program at the Vermilion campus. “We didn’t have a lot of players on our team but we did very well. One of the biggest highlights was that we got ranked nationally. That was great for our program,” says Prince, recalling how the gymnasium would fill with students, many armed with garbage can lids and wooden spoons to make noise to rattle the opposition. The 5'7" setter was a huge part of the team’s success and her outstanding play earned her ACAC All Conference and Canadian Colleges Athletic Association All Canadian honours during the 1985-86 and 1986-87 seasons. While the Rustlers had winning records those seasons and won an ACAC silver in 1985-86, hopes of winning an ACAC championship were thwarted by the Red Deer College Queens who were in the midst of eight consecutive ACAC women’s volleyball titles. After graduating from Lakeland, Prince played three seasons for the University of Calgary Dinos and then moved to Switzerland to play pro volleyball for a season.
She returned to Calgary in 1991 to coach volleyball at Mount Royal College and was with the team until 1998. It was during that decade that she married Keal Prince who is also an avid volleyball player. Both continue to play the sport. Not surprisingly, the couple’s children − daughter Elly and son Keal − also play volleyball. Austin Dyer, the coach of Lakeland’s women’s volleyball team, approached Elly (also a setter) about playing for the Rustlers after she graduates from high school this year. “Austin and his crew are really doing an amazing job at Lakeland with the team. It would be pretty neat if Elly did play for (the Rustlers) but she’s really undecided about what she wants to do,” says Prince.
•••
Prince was one of 50 people including 15 athletes inducted into the ACAC Hall of Fame as part of the conference’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Former Rustler coaches Les Parsons (women’s volleyball) and Phil Allen (men’s basketball) were also inducted. AlumnixL
9
••• President’s Gala •••
Hansen inspires President’s Gala crowd
Premier Dave Hancock and Lakeland College President Tracy Edwards applaud as Rick Hansen presents a Difference Maker Award to Wendy Plandowski ’91.
10
Rick Hansen received two standing ovations from an appreciative and inspired crowd at Lakeland College President’s Gala on April 4. The Canadian hero regaled the crowd that included Alberta Premier Dave Hancock with stories of his Paralympic accomplishments, the Man in Motion World Tour, and life as a husband, father and spinal cord research advocate. Hansen admitted that there were a few times during his Man in Motion tour that he wanted to quit. In fact, on just the second
day he wondered if he could continue. “But I made a decision before I left – no regrets. So I decided to go one more stroke. And one more stroke led to another and another and another,” he says. Averaging 30,000 strokes a day, Hansen wheeled 40,000 km through 34 countries in 26 months while creating awareness of the potential of people with disabilities and also raising $26 million for spinal cord research. At the final event of his world tour there was a sign with the words: Welcome home Rick. The end is just the beginning. “I read that
sign and thought, ‘What kind of marketing person came up with that?’ But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was right,” says Hansen. He later established the Rick Hansen Foundation and continues to advocate for accessibility for everyone. He truly believes that every person has the opportunity to be a difference maker. “When we combine our experiences and our passion with our talents, we can make an amazing contribution,” says Hansen. At the end of his presentation he called Lakeland College alumna Wendy Plandowski ’91 to the stage and presented her with a Difference Maker Award. She was recognized for the difference she has made in community through the many volunteer roles she has tackled plus the positive attitude she displayed while battling cancer. Plandowski worked at Lakeland College from 1990 until 1996 and then from 2004 to 2013. During her 15 years at Lakeland she worked in various departments and had many different roles including director of alumni and corporate development, Lloydminster campus principal, and dean of human services. She’s now the chief executive officer of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. Hansen also paid tribute to Lloydminster resident Brandon Troutman, a member of Team Alberta’s National Wheelchair Basketball team.
•••
Rick Hansen and Lloydminster resident Brandon Troutman, a member of Team Alberta’s National Wheelchair Basketball team. AlumnixL
••• President’s Gala •••
Synergy Credit Union sponsored Hansen’s appearance at the President’s Gala which was held in the Lloydminster Stockade Convention Centre. Money raised was invested in an endowment fund for student financial awards.
World opens with new International Development certificate Lakeland College’s newest program promises to create a world of opportunities for students. International Development, a one-year post-credential certificate program, begins this fall at the Vermilion campus. The program was created to provide students with an opportunity to develop international experience in the area of study in which they earned their credential. “We live in an interconnected world. The more students learn about and experience other cultures and international issues, the better prepared they’ll be for working in a global community,” says Michael Crowe, Lakeland’s dean of Teaching and Learning. “We are also aware of a growing interest in international development work. We want to provide a starting point for people interested in that type of work by providing them with training and hands-on experience,” he says.
Students will spend much of the year learning about international development work, including global economic paradigms, social policy, human rights, poverty reduction strategies, and the different models that international development projects are based on. They’ll also take courses such as project management, current events and issues in development, and the global community.
only market for the International Development program. “I believe this program will attract a few students who’ve worked for a number of years and want a change or they may be retired and want to get involved in international aid work,” he says.
Near the end of the second semester, students will put what they learn in class into practice during a four-week placement in a developing country. “It will be an exceptional learning experience for the students as they immerse themselves in a new culture and in a development project,” says Crowe. While the program is expected to attract many young students interested in traveling and doing development work before they start their career, that’s not the
For more information visit www.lakelandcollege.ca/int_dev or phone 1 800 661 6490, ext. 8579
All over the map! This past academic year Lakeland College served students from every province and territory in Canada but for Prince Edward Island as well as 12 other countries. AlumnixL
11
••• alumni •••
12
Brosseaus regional winners of OYF award
If you were looking for agriculture ambassadors with enthusiasm, commitment, dedication, knowledge and a vision for the future, Richard and Nicole Brosseau of St. Paul would be top contenders. It is no surprise they were awarded the Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) for the Alberta/NWT region.
barn. The barn is designed with cow comfort in mind, with a scissor rafter for a clear span. It has a curtain side opening and chimneys in the roof for natural air ventilation. The cows sleep in a loose housing straw bedded pack with a clay base. The milking parlour is a double seven herringbone.
The couple’s Moo-Lait Farms is located just east of St. Paul. Richard and Nicole, grads of Lakeland’s livestock production program, operate the dairy farm along with Nicole’s parents, Bert and Yvonne Poulin. They have an agreement where they manage the farm in exchange for land and building use. The young couple has their own quota and herd of 60 cows which is 90 percent Holstein and 10 percent Jersey. It is operated as two separate enterprises.
Construction of the barn was the motivation behind their nomination by neighbour, Reg Lamothe. “Eighty years ago my family had built a state of the art dairy barn and the fact that Nicole and Richard had done the same leading edge step motivated me to nominate them. They know a lot about their business and when they go to Quebec City for the national competition they will represent us (Alberta) well,” he says.
A big step they recently took was the construction of a new dairy AlumnixL
Part of their management philosophy includes being as transparent as possible to the
consumer. Minimizing livestock stress is an off shoot and another factor in the barn design. They grow all their own feed in a rotation that emphasizes soil health. The idea is that healthy soil leads to healthy crops to healthy animals and to healthy food. The cow herd is young and has been built up with AI to improve genetics. The barn was built with expansion potential and a future project is a facility to house the younger stock. Moo-Lait Farms plans to remain a closed herd. Brosseaus have a strong vision for succession of the farm. “We want to make sure it is a viable operation that someone has the ability to continue, whether it is one of our kids or not,” says Richard. They want to continue growing the business. When they first came back to the farm from Lakeland College the couple had five year goals, and
••• alumni •••
achieved them in three years. At that point they were at a crossroads and “needed to go or grow.” Leaving the farm was not something they wanted to do so they sat down with Nicole’s parents and came up with a plan that would allow them to get more involved and grow the operation. Brosseaus are active in the community through school, church, archery and the municipal seed cleaning plant. Richard is also on a Lakeland College program advisory committee. Mentorship has been important to them and is emphasized in the OYF program. “We have had great mentors and have always wanted to pay back the mentorship aspect,” Richard adds. Some of their mentors are from Lakeland College. The two both completed the livestock production program at the Vermilion campus
in the late 1990s and then worked at the college farm. They knew each other from high school. Richard had always wanted to farm but had not intended to pursue post-secondary studies. But after his sister and Nicole had both gone to college, he realized “it was a really great opportunity at Lakeland College.” “I now see that going to Lakeland set the platform for learning,” Richard says. “We still have connections with so many of the great people we met while there.” They feel strongly that they want their children, Ethan 10, Cassie 8 and Emery 6, to move beyond the farm in some way and have other experiences before coming back if they choose to do so. “It will be cool to see in 10 to 15 years what our kids bring back to us and the farm,” says Nicole.
The process of receiving an Outstanding Young Farmer (OYF) award is not simple. First there is a nomination by a third party. If this is accepted then the nominees must complete a lengthy application process and be interviewed by a panel. The top regional winners then attend the national competition which is in Quebec City in November. The judging criteria is extensive and involves progress in agriculture career; environmental stewardship; production history; financial and management practices; contributions to the well-being of the community, province and nation; financial progress; oral interviews and a photo presentation. In addition the nominees must be under 40-years-old and derive 70 percent of their income from farming. “We wanted to make sure people understand who we are as young farmers and we wanted to be judged based on our values,” Richard emphasizes. The couple is as excited to now be part of the OYF fraternity as they are to receive the award. “We are not all the same type of farmers but we all have the same love and passion for farming,” says Nicole. “Every day we think about winning the award but for us it is more like we are now responsible to be a positive ambassador for agriculture,” says Richard. The mission of OYF is to discover, celebrate and recognize progress and excellence in Canadian agriculture. This resonated with the Brosseaus and confirmed they would continue with the selection process.
•••
AlumnixL
13
••• Alumni •••
2014 Distinguished Alumni
Rob Saunders Rob Saunders was a young boy when he heard then Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson say how proud everyone should be of Canada. Saunders feels the same way about Lloydminster, the city that’s been his home since he was five-years-old. He’s been the mayor of the Border City since October 2013 but he’s been proudly passionate about and involved in the community for most of his life. Growing up he was very aware of politics, current affairs and community initiatives as his father Wes Saunders was a broadcast journalist and news director at CKSA in Lloydminster. “I remember when the Civic Centre was built. We lived close by and used to play around the construction site. We could not wait for it to open and we were thrilled when then NHL star Bobby Hull came and skated with us kids at the opening,” says Saunders. Contemplating what career path to take after high school, Saunders considered the region’s two biggest economic drivers – agriculture and energy. Because of allergies, he decided against agriculture and took a job at the Husky Refinery. When Lakeland College offered its Heavy Oil Operations Technician (HOOT) program in Lloydminster in the early 1980s, Saunders was in the first cohort. “I am and always have been proud to say I went to Lakeland College. The college gave me an opportunity to advance my career. What better opportunity than to get the training and have a job at the end of that training?” he comments. After completing HOOT, Saunders worked at Murphy Oil. While at Murphy Oil he took evening classes through Lakeland to earn his third class power engineering ticket. The introduction of the National Energy Program resulted in massive layoffs in the industry and in 1986 Murphy Oil gave close to 40 people, including Saunders, their pink slips. Saunders used his severance package to start Banner Well Contracting which was contracted to look after Murphy Oil wells in the Lloydminster area. 14
AlumnixL
Saunders then went to Amoco Wellchem and expanded his knowledge in the chemical technology aspect of the oil industry. Laidlaw Waste Management then offered Saunders a job as director of sales and marketing. His time with Laidlaw included the development of the first segregated waste container services for the oil industry and many recycling initiatives in Western Canada. Through his involvement in the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce, Saunders reconnected with entrepreneur Dan Echino. In 2000 Saunders went to work with Echino at Corlac Inc. as the business development officer. The company went from $9 million to $70 million in sales in four years. “We worked very hard and were very aggressive and pro-active,” Saunders says. Corlac sold to National Oilwell and in 2006 Saunders left National and started his own business management company. During that time he also worked with Milt Wakefield, now chair of Lakeland College Board of Governors, on foreign worker recruitment projects. In 2008 Saunders joined ICI Artificial Lifts as general sales manager. “We were voted the fastest growing company by Alberta Venture two years in a row,” comments Saunders. After ICI, Saunders joined R & M Energy Systems as their area manager establishing a new regional office. Throughout his career, Saunders always made time to participate in community projects and organizations. For the past 22 years he has been an active board member of the Chamber of Commerce and has helped with economic development initiatives through his involvement with organizations such as Lloydminster Economic Development Corporation, Community Futures, and the Lloydminster Construction Association. Saunders is vice chair of the Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council and a member of the Lloydminster Rotary Club. He has also served as a business and industry liaison for Lakeland College. In 2003 Saunders was elected to his first of four terms on Lloydminster City Council. He became the deputy mayor in 2012 and last October was elected mayor. Saunders and his wife Kristine, also a Lakeland alumnus, are enthusiastic supporters of Lakeland College. “We think Lakeland College is a key partner in our economic development because it helps attract young people, retains them in the region and helps them build a secure future,” he says. “We can grow our own here.” In appreciation of his contribution to city governance, continuous volunteerism and commitment to the Lloydminster community, Lakeland College presented Saunders with the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award for the Lloydminster campus during the campus convocation ceremony on June 6.
•••
••• Alumni •••
Allan Shenfield In October 1947, Allan Shenfield moved from his family’s farm near Spruce Grove to Vermilion to take the two year agriculture program at the Vermilion School of Agriculture (VSA). While at VSA he learned about animal husbandry, farm machinery, field husbandry and farm management, but Shenfield says the life skills he gained were the most valuable elements of his education. “The only time I went home during the school year was at Christmas. I learned a lot about how to live as a young person at (VSA). Living in the dorms was a big part of the learning experience,” says Shenfield, who was known around VSA for his great sense of humour. In the 1948 yearbook he’s listed as the go-to guy for those needing ideas for jokes or pranks. Shenfield was very involved in clubs and committees at VSA. He participated in the school’s drama club and served as the business and circulation manager of The Echo, the student newspaper. After graduating from VSA in 1949, the then 21-yearold returned to his family’s dairy farm north of Spruce Grove. Like his father, he had a desire to volunteer his time for the betterment of the community. “My father was very active in the community and I thought I should get involved too,” he says. He became the leader of the Spruce Grove 4-H Grain Club in 1949. Later he would serve on regional and provincial 4-H advisory councils and help establish the 4-H Foundation of Alberta, a nonprofit organization that built and now operates the Alberta 4-H Centre at Battle Lake. In appreciation of his involvement with 4-H, he was inducted into the Alberta 4-H Hall of Fame in 1982. Shenfield recently received a 60-year pin for service to Northlands in Edmonton. During his tenure as president of Northlands, he spearheaded the
development of the Agricom. Now known as the Edmonton EXPO Centre, the facility serves as an event venue for livestock shows, trade fairs, meetings and much more. He was instrumental in initiating the Farm Family Awards in 1968. “There were many days I’d be at Northlands all day then I’d come home to milk the cows, and then head off to another meeting,” says Shenfield. “But if you have a mind to do something, you get it done.” In Spruce Grove, few capital projects took place without his involvement, including agricultural and recreational facilities and a seniors’ centre. His extensive involvement helped make the city what it is today. As for his alma mater, Shenfield helped establish the Alumni Association’s Edmonton branch. In recognition of his tremendous volunteer service, Lakeland College awarded Shenfield the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award for the Vermilion campus. He was presented with the award at the Vermilion campus convocation ceremony on May 30. During his speech he encouraged graduates to make the time to volunteer. “Get involved in your community because it’s very rewarding,” he says. Shenfield credits his wife Maxine and their three children Randy, Heather and Kevin for all they did on their dairy farm (Surreyview Farms Ltd.) that made it possible for him to be so involved in organizations and community projects. The 85-year-old Shenfield still helps with the family dairy, but Kevin now manages the operation that’s grown to 90 Holsteins. The Distinguished Alumni Award is one of many awards Shenfield has received. One of the more humbling honours for Shenfield was when the City of Spruce Grove named its municipal building the Shenfield Civic Centre in his honour. Shenfield modestly says that he receives more from his volunteer efforts than he gives. “Being a volunteer is very rewarding. You don’t do this for the recognition; you do this to help others.”
•••
AlumnixL
15
••• Honorary credentials •••
16
2014 Distinguished Citizens
Ed Stelmach
Vic Juba
AlumnixL
His high school yearbook predicted Ed Stelmach’s political success, naming him a future prime minister of Canada. Rather than the national stage, he focused on Alberta politics. First elected in 1986 as a municipal councilor in Lamont County, he was elected to the Alberta Legislature in 1993. Ed Stelmach eventually became Alberta’s 13th premier serving between 2006 and 2011. Like Lakeland College, Ed Stelmach’s roots are agricultural. The grandson of Ukrainian immigrants, he was born and raised on the family farm near Lamont. A life-long farmer, he originally intended to become a lawyer before family circumstances brought him back to the farm. Agriculture, Food and Rural Development was one of four portfolios he held as a cabinet
minister. Although never in the advanced education portfolio, Ed Stelmach was a supporter of post-secondary institutions. Under his leadership Alberta’s advanced education system enjoyed fiscal stability. Lakeland College, in particular, was able to finalize building and capital renovation projects and re-start applied research. Integrity and transparency were hallmarks of Ed Stelmach’s time as premier. It even provided him with the nickname of “honest Eddie.” It is with great respect that Lakeland College recognizes Ed Stelmach as a Distinguished Citizen. He was awarded an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Business Degree on May 30 during the Vermilion campus convocation ceremony.
Vic Juba is a man of action. He has contributed countless hours to a wide array of local projects and non-profit organizations. These include Rotary, the Lions Club, the Lloydminster Exhibition Association, the Barr Colony Heritage Centre, the OTS Heavy Oil Interpretive Centre, the Lloydminster Leisure Centre and numerous summer and winter games committees. He spearheaded the development of a community theatre at the Lakeland College Lloydminster Campus. That theatre was subsequently named the Vic Juba Community Theatre in appreciation of his role in its development. His professional career with Husky Oil began in 1953. One of his first jobs was to test product from the Borradaile Refinery, east of Vermilion. His position was then transferred to the
refinery in Lloydminster. After a lengthy career with Husky, concluding with four years at the Bi-Provincial Upgrader project as communications coordinator, Vic Juba retired in 1992. While Vic Juba’s career in the oil industry was a long and important one, he will likely be best remembered for his contribution to the community of Lloydminster. He has had a hand in the development of many public facilities in the community. It is with great respect that Lakeland College recognizes Vic Juba of Lloydminster as a Distinguished Citizen. He was awarded an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Business Degree on June 6 during the Lloydminster campus convocation ceremony.
•••
•••
••• Tournament •••
“Lacer the Racer” Alumni Golf Tournament In memory of Lacey Longworth Fundraiser for a Rowing Scholarship at Lakeland College. Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Vermilion Golf & Country Club Registration at noon Cost: $41 Golf & Steak Dinner, $21 Steak Dinner only (Please pay at the golf course on July 26th) Vermilion Fair Beer Gardens get-together to follow. Pre-register by July 21 Phone: 780 853 8592 Fax: 780 853 8704 Email: denise.martin@lakelandcollege.ca or peter.walsh@lakelandcollege.ca To receive a charitable tax receipt, make cheque payable to Lakeland College. Tax receipts will be given for donations of $20 or more. “Lacer the Racer” Alumni Golf Tournament REGISTRATION FORM Please print NAME (First)
(Last)
ADDRESS CITY PHONE
PROVINCE Home
Cell
Golf and Steak
Steak only
POSTAL CODE
FAX NUMBER EMAIL All payments for golf/steak supper are payable at the Vermilion Golf and Country Club on July 26, 2014
TO REGISTER FILL IN THIS FORM AND MAIL TO:
Lakeland College, c/o Denise Martin 5707 College Drive, Vermilion, Alberta T9X 1K5 Registration deadline: July 21, 2014
FAX to 780 853 8704 Email: denise.martin@lakelandcollege.ca
Up to 10 percent of donations received will be used to cover costs associated with fundraising and donor recognition activities, Lakeland College will recognize contributions by publishing donor names in its publications and website. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact us at 1 800 661 6490 ext 8703. Lakeland College complies with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act of Alberta. Information collected through the donation process is used in the normal course of college operations in accordance with this legislation. If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information please contact the FOIP coordinator. Please do not send money with this registration form.
If you have any questions regarding this event or would like to donate to the rowing scholarship, contact Peter Walsh at 780 853 8586 or 780 853 4973. Donations accepted at Alumni Golf Tournament. AlumnixL
17
••• Convocation •••
18
Convocation 2014
Grads, faculty and staff of Human Services programs pose for a photo prior to the Vermilion campus convocation ceremony.
Brittany Tschirren, received an alumni generation pin during the Vermilion campus convocation ceremony. The pin is given to graduates who have parents and/or grandparents who are Lakeland alumni. Brittany is pictured with her parents Joe and Kelly (Fulton) Tschirren and grandpa Donald Fulton who all attended the college. Joe is holding a picture of his dad Ben Tschirren who was also an alum. AlumnixL
••• ABOUT US •••
10th Anniversary A massive outdoor street hockey tournament at the end of March in Vermilion seemed like a crazy idea when Lakeland College environmental sciences student Tyler Chilibecki suggested it to Devon Walker and Tyler Prediger in 2004. The tenth annual Green Cup was held this past March. Prediger liked Chilibecki’s idea and suggested the fenced tennis courts behind the Vermilion campus Rec Centre as the perfect location. The Enviro Club was supportive of the idea and the event was named Green Cup as the goal was to raise funds for Enviro Club initiatives on campus. But the event had a number of challenges such as dealing with campus insurance providers, local businesses and the campus grounds crew. Using sidewalk chalk the trio wrote announcements on the sidewalks around campus, only to repeat the process after snow and rain. They wanted the timing of the event to coincide with some “spring fever” but to be ahead of final exams. “The first year the snow was two feet deep on the courts. So we rounded up every snow shovel on campus and once we stole my roommate Kyle Parkyn’s snowblower he joined the group also,” says Walker.
Inset: Tyler Prediger, Cathy Wolters and Devon Walker There was no money for a trophy so Walker created one out of a stolen metal garbage can, a 99 cent silver metal bowl from a dollar store, scrap steel, and green paint. The first year’s event was a great success. Not only did college students participate but also family, friends and staff. By the third year the trio was confident they had a good thing going but it was also time for them to leave Lakeland College. There was a binder full of everything to do with the Green Cup that was given, along with some funds, to the next generation of Green Cup’ers. When Walker heard of the 10th anniversary, he was quite happy to know that their crazy idea now had a life of its own. This year’s anniversary event had 26 teams. A popular component since the beginning has been the celebrity game between Lakeland staff and The Goat radio station employees. Over the years the event has had to make some adaptations, says Robin Lagroix-McLean, Enviro Club faculty advisor. Games were played outside on the tennis courts until the super snow storm of 2010. With some scrambling and help from the Town of Vermilion, the games moved into the Arena, now permanent home to Green Cup. A dance was also added a few years ago.
The event wouldn’t happen without the work of the members of the Enviro Club. “It is a huge job to put on the Green Cup and it is pretty amazing what these students do,” says Lagroix-McLean. Even more so when students are usually at Lakeland for three years at the most so there has to be transition in the leadership for organizing the event. “We have had ten years of fantastic results,” says LagroixMcLean. All the proceeds go to the Enviro Club at Lakeland College for projects or scholarships.
AlumnixL
19
••• Donors •••
20
Donor support lifts awards past $1.2 million mark More than 100 additional awards, scholarships and bursaries were presented to Lakeland College students for the first time this academic year thanks to the generosity of 52 new donors who contributed to the college’s centennial fundraising campaign. With the introduction of the 104 awards plus continued support from returning award donors, 1,223 awards, scholarships and bursaries totalling $1,207,109 were presented to Lakeland College students during the 2013-2014 academic year. That’s a $151,552 increase from last year’s total. “We’re delighted to talk about these numbers because they show the growth of our awards program. However, it’s what these numbers represent that is so important,” says Phil Allen, vice president of student services and advancement. “It means that more hard-working, motivated people have the financial support they need to start and continue their college education. There’s no doubt that the support of donors is making the cost of a post-secondary education more manageable for many of our students.” Lakeland College thanked its donors and congratulated award winners during the 2014 Donor and Award Recipient Celebrations in March. The Lloydminster campus celebration was Tuesday, March 11 and the Vermilion campus event was Wednesday, March 19.
Jessica Shattuck (left) receives an award from Mandeep Chauhan with TD Insurance Meloche Monnex.
$1.2 million AlumnixL
••• Donors •••
AlumnixL
21
••• donor •••
22
Servus Credit Union’s donation makes new bleachers possible
Dr. Tracy Edwards, president and chief executive officer of Lakeland College, accepts a ceremonial cheque from Garth Warner, president and chief executive officer of Servus Credit Union. Action on the court at Lakeland College’s Lloydminster Campus gymnasium usually draws fans to their feet, but don’t be surprised if next season people want to stay seated. Thanks to a $250,000 donation from Servus Credit Union, the current wooden bleachers will be replaced with bleachers that have back-rest seats. This is great news for fans of the Lakeland College Rustlers volleyball and basketball teams plus the many other organizations that use the gymnasium for sports and events such as conferences, workshops and graduation ceremonies. “Servus appreciates Lakeland College’s commitment to supporting students throughout their entire college experience,” says Garth Warner, president and chief executive officer of Servus Credit Union. “We’re excited to AlumnixL
help the college provide more seating for its sports teams and community groups and events.” In recognition of Servus Credit Union’s gift to the Lakeland College Centennial Campaign, the college named its Lloydminster campus cafeteria the Servus Credit Union Hospitality Centre. “We truly value Servus Credit Union’s ongoing support of Lakeland College and its students. With this recent donation, we will be able to enhance the quantity and the quality of seating in the gymnasium. It’s our hope that with the seating upgrade, the college and the community will be able to attract more sporting events and conferences to Lloydminster,” says Dr. Tracy Edwards, president of Lakeland College. Servus Credit Union is a longtime supporter of Lakeland College.
The credit union contributes to the college’s student awards program and co-sponsored Lakeland’s student business team that won the 2014 Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition. Servus also donates to the President’s Gala and golf tournament fundraising events and contributed to the Bill Kondro Wing capital campaign. The new bleachers will be installed this summer. With seating for almost 500 people, it’s anticipated that the Rustlers and local club teams will have more opportunities to host provincial and national championships in Lloydminster.
•••
••• donor •••
Livestock research at Lakeland receives Sweet $200,000 boost There were few things Garth Sweet enjoyed more than discussing the genetics of Simmental cattle. “He could lean against a fence post all day and talk to people about improving a herd’s genetics,” says Judy Sweet of her late husband. The Sweets raised purebred Simmental cattle in the Drayton Valley area for more than 25 years. “We started by buying five bred heifers from Stewart and Doreen Ainsworth,” recalls Judy. That was the start of 4S Simmentals, the 4S being a nod to the four Sweets – Garth, Judy and daughters Jackie and Patti. The business grew into a very successful 350-head livestock operation. Garth passed away in 2001 at the age of 57. Wanting to make a donation in memory of her husband to an organization that was involved in livestock research and development, Judy contacted Lakeland College last fall to learn more about its research activities. She recently toured the Livestock Research Centre at the Vermilion campus and learned about current projects and future research plans. Lakeland College uses GrowSafe technology to monitor the individual feed intake of animals in the Livestock Research Centre. With the data, it’s possible to identify animals that more efficiently convert feed into beef. After completing the tour, Judy gave two $100,000 cheques to the college; one from her family’s Sportaken Holdings and the other from The Garth Sweet Simmental Foundation. The money will be used to support livestock research and development at the college with a portion of the gift allocated for the construction of a lab and meeting space in the Livestock Research Centre.
Mel Mathison, dean of Environmental Sciences and Applied Research at Lakeland College, accepts cheques totaling $200,000 from Judy Sweet. Also pictured are Larry Bingham and Geoff Brown of Lakeland College and Doreen and Stewart Ainsworth, Sweet family friends. Stewart Ainsworth completed a 12-week animal reproduction course at the Vermilion campus in 1967. Dr. Tracy Edwards, president of Lakeland College, thanked Judy and her family for their donation. “With a renovated facility, it will be possible for Lakeland College to expand into several areas of research, such as RFI research, breed specific testing for growth performance and genetic correlations in beef cattle. This facility also enables our students to work side-by-side with faculty and industry partners to gain practical research experience that will help them in their future,” says Edwards. Garth was raised in the Dewberry area so the college’s proximity to his hometown and its focus on
cattle research were two of the reasons why the Sweet family decided to give to Lakeland College. “The research that’s being done here is awesome. It will benefit the beef industry and all of the students who attend Lakeland. It’s not about (educating) us old dogs anymore, it’s about helping the young ones who are getting into the industry,” says Judy. To learn more about Lakeland College’s programming and applied research activities, visit www.lakelandcollege.ca
•••
AlumnixL
23
••• CLASS NOTES •••
Class Notes
Photo courtesy of Hinton Fire Rescue.
24
For Mitch MacDonnell ‘13 and Drew Wetmore ’13 it was a tough application process but the Lakeland firefighter grads were both accepted as the first recruits in a new work experience program at Hinton Fire Rescue. Over 200 people applied and the pair had to go through an extensive application process before starting work at the beginning of January. It is a winwin situation as more firefighters are available to the community in the event of an emergency. They spend one day a week at the fire station and the rest of the time at their jobs. MacDonnell is working at the pulp mill and Wetmore at Trican. Employers agree to have the recruits involved in the program. The recruits also train once a week and continue to take courses. “The fact that both successful applicants graduated from Lakeland College, speaks to the quality of education we got from this exceptional well organized, well taught program. The instructors were so great, knowledgeable and friendly, always there to answer questions and demonstrate what was expected,” says MacDonnell.
AlumnixL
Daylin Fergusson ’09, a former Lakeland College student, headed to the Miss Universe Canada pageant in Toronto in May. Fergusson, who was born in Lloydminster but is currently a resident of St. Albert, participated in the contest. The winner advances to the Miss Universe pageant. She has had a great experience getting ready for the pageant, which has broadened her sense of giving back to the community. Currently pursuing an Athabasca University credential, Fergusson studied business administration at Lakeland College from 2007 to 2009 and represented Lloydminster as the youngest local union president in Alberta during her time in the Border City. She was in Toronto for the pageant’s 10-day period in May and enjoyed spending time with fellow contestants, having already become friends with a few of them through fundraisers they planned. She raised awareness about Operation Smile, which provides free surgeries to repair cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial disfigurements for children around the world. Greg Van Tighem ’09 came through Vermilion again this year during his annual Multiple Sclerosis (MS) fundraiser. Starting the end of February he pedalled over 3,000 km to raise funds and awareness for MS. Van Tighem graduated from the bachelor of applied business: emergency services program and is the Jasper fire chief.
After completing the animal science technology program at Lakeland College, Rebecca Joseph ’12 went to the University of Lethbridge to complete her degree in agriculture. While there, she joined the university’s Agribusiness Case Competition team and has competed twice at the International Agribusiness Case Competition at the University of Guelph. This year her team - the first all women team to compete - placed first overall. The team was made up of students from both ag studies and management. The competition started on Friday at 10 am when the team was given the case. They then had five hours to determine a course of action and put the presentation together. At 8 pm they were given the second part of the case which was due at 8 am the next day. The case the team worked on involved using insects as a protein source for humans. The team now goes to Cape Town, South Africa to compete in the international competition. While at Lakeland College Joseph was president of the Students’ Association and involved with the start-up of the Staff Rodeo. Joseph will complete her degree in December and plans to work as an agronomist or livestock nutritionist.
••• CLASS NOTES •••
Ten years ago, Leslie Luis ‘07 didn’t know teaching would become her passion. She started her post-secondary education at the University of Alberta where she earned a bachelor of science degree. She later completed a bachelor of applied science: environmental management degree at Lakeland College. After Lakeland she worked at a pulp mill doing water quality testing and then moved into soil contamination testing for an environmental consulting firm. While taking a break to re-evaluate her career path she started instructing science camps at the Telus World of Science. It was there that her love for science education began. Luis spent three summers as a science camp instructor. In between, she travelled abroad where she backpacked, volunteered and taught English as a second language. While teaching in Thailand, she decided to return to university to pursue an education degree. Luis believes a handson approach to learning helps enhance the student experience and helps to reinforce the understanding of concepts. In October 2010, she started a small business with this in mind. The mission of “Tiny Labs: Scientists in Training” was to make science-focused sessions available to all learners and to show children that science does not happen in labs but all around us. She created safe environments where children explored and learned different science concepts. Although she thoroughly enjoys being in the classroom, Luis also
has a passion for travel. She has visited 28 countries and loves immersing herself in different cultures. Last summer she hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. Her love for travel has taken her to Guadalajara, Mexico, where she took a Grade 2 teaching position at the Canadian School. Luis hopes and believes that all her experiences and curiosity about the world will inspire students to see and learn from the world around them. As their teacher, her goal is to equip them with the right tools and attitude to explore it.
Robert Rieben graduated from the emergency services technology program as a member of Battalion 13. He is currently working at an Arctic exploration and mining project on north Baffin Island, Nunavut as an emergency response team leader. They are currently living in insulated weather haven tents. His role is to help provide emergency services to the camp including the runway capable of landing 737 jets and Hercules cargo planes. Rieben is responsible for routine sight inspections aimed at incident prevention. He and his colleagues are working on recruiting and training a mine rescue team to respond to emergencies. When he is not up north Rieben is a firefighter with the Weyburn Fire Brigade.
Shawna Zaharko ’90 graduated from Lakeland College’s business administration program. She worked in management and supervision then went on to complete a commerce degree. While at Lakeland Zaharko played on the women’s volleyball team and received Female Athlete of the Year award and the President’s Medal award. She now works in human resources and is a management consultant. Her athletic career continued into triathlon and last year she qualified for the nationals in the US at the sprint distance triathlon. She has received many awards and is in the top 15-20 per cent age group finishers in numerous half marathon derbies in Canada, a top five finisher in her age group for Ironman 70.3 Series 2013 and on Triathlon Team Canada for International Triathlon Union (ITU) World’s 2014 in Edmonton at the end of August. Her goal for 2014 is to qualify for the World’s 70.3 that will be held in Mont Tremblant, Quebec. If she is successful she will compete in the world and national events in three triathlon distances. She is currently training in Texas. If you would like to support Zaharko she can be reached at shawnay@telus.net. In March at the Microsoft Partners in Learning Global Forum, Celebrating Innovation in Education, Jessie Mann ’06 won top place in the Learn-aThon Sustainability category. The competition was part of a 24 hour challenge. Teams of teachers had to use technology to support one of Unesco’s Millennium Development Goals. The event was held in Barcelona, Spain and included participants from 75 countries. Mann’s team members were from Columbia, Singapore and the U.S. AlumnixL
25
••• Donors •••
Annual Giving Donors
[ July 1, 2013 – May 20, 2014 ]
Diane Andrukow
Roger Jones
Marie & Paul Therriault
Ruby Bauer
Cecil & Pam King
Eli Ulan
Carol Beckie
Deborah Larry
Ross & Eleanor Wallace
Jo Berglund
Marjorie & David Locke
Kimberley & Michael Wetsch
Terry & Kathleen Bocock
Russel Manary
Karla & Doug White
John & Jenny Bocock
Maria-Lise & Tom May
Darla Yonkman
Bill Bocock
Richard & Joyce McBain
Heidi Braithwaite
Arthur & Gladys McGinnis
Mary & Jim Callander
Jean McGuckin
Stanley & Sharleen Chevraux
Walter & Myrtle McNary
Dave & Beth Cowan
Richard & Georgina Nordstrom
Rex & Joyce Cunningham
Richard & Frances Pfeiffer
Morris & Paulette Erickson
Paul Richer
Elaine Gottfried
Elizabeth & Bruce Ronaghan
Florence & Norman Hafso
Andre & Norah Rouault
Mary Harrish
Agnes Schmidt
Brian Honeker
Walter Skripitsky
Hazel Irving
E. Margaret Taylor
Thank you!
26
Giving Tuesday Donor
If you are interested in donating to the Annual Giving Campaign please contact Darla Yonkman, Alumni Coordinator at 780 853 8628 or Khursten Bullock, Manager, Young Alumni at 780 871 5401.
[ July 1, 2013 – May 20, 2014 ]
Graeme Anderson
Jack & Eleanor Ward
Laura & Sheldon Baker
Stephen Washington
Codey Boehm
Brian Webster
Nikki Bosnak
Linda Werklund
James & Denise Calderwood
Chaylene & Derek Wilkins
If you are interested in donating to the Giving Tuesday Campaign please contact Darla Yonkman, Alumni Coordinator at 780 853 8628 or Khursten Bullock, Manager, Young Alumni at 780 871 5401.
Evan Chalut Justina & Jeffrey Christopherson Lee Cormier Nickolaus Cote Lee Crosson Travis Hagel Jeremy Hatt Quinn Hawk Blair Hill Justin Mahussier Devon McNabb
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AlumnixL
••• Donors •••
Centennial Tree Campaign Alberta Beef Producers - Zone 8
Kibblewhite Family
Clarabell Thalheimer
Howard & Rita Austin
Denise and Mike Kotelko (NEW) Martin Krupa
UCG Universal Consulting Group Ltd. Paul Richer
Sheldon Baker (NEW)
Ronald Labonte
VSA Friends (NEW)
Bill, John & Jenny Bocock
Milt & Carrol Wakefield
Terry & Kathleen Bocock
Lakeland College Alumni Association
Art G. Boggs
Hal (Harley) Lappin
Nadine Walker-Perry & Marvin Perry
Tram Sales Ltd. Ron Bohaychuk (NEW)
Arvel Lawson & Brian Tischler
The Webb Family (NEW)
Colette & Marcel Lefebvre
In Memory of Elizabeth Welter
Charlene Bonnar
Edmund & Ellen Lefsrud and Werner & Christine Wennekamp
White Head Kennels (NEW) Barbara & Craig Whitehead
Brene Enterprises Ltd. (NEW) Bruce & Irene Sabados
Lewis Farms Ltd.
Anne Willard (NEW)
Long Family
Larry & Barbara Bright
Terry & Leanne Lupul
Woodwynn Farm Ltd. John & Terry Kubin
Larry Brindle
Jean Marler & the late Reg Marler
Khursten Bullock
Arthur & Gladys McGinnis (NEW)
Wayne & Joan Cholak
Don & June McMillan
Class of 1962
George & Ivy McMillan
Class of 1987 Fish & Wildlife (NEW)
Isabelle & Gary Moses
Rex & Joyce Cunningham
Michelle Oswell
Dr. Tracy Edwards & Les Ostrowski
Margaret Page
Doug Elliott
Doug & Marilyn Pawsey
Randy Fines
Peace Country Alumni
John & Barbara Fleming
Brian & Judy Pederson
Bill & Myrna Fox
Walter & Rheta Prill (NEW)
Elizabeth “Li” Giebelhaus (NEW)
RE/MAX c/o Shawn Jacula
Harold & Gertrude Hauer
Jack & Dorothy Roberton
Harvey & Kathleen Hauer
William Robinson
Vernon & Charlotte Hauer
Anne Rogan
John & Marilyn Hoegl
Vern & Sharon Schaab
Muriel Hong
Orvis Schneider (NEW)
Donna & Norman Horpestad
Lloyd & Diane Smith
Robert Huff (2 Trees)
Melvin & the late Dyann Smith
Mildred Hughes
Gus Stamp & Eric Stamp
Kara Johnston
Scot Steele & the late Carel Steele
Vic & Ann Juba
Amanda & Jason Stepanick
Brian & Dee Keating
Christian Swiggum
Laura Baker
Thank you!
College Friends (NEW)
Allan & Olive Zwierschke
Debbie & Dave Neigum
83 sold
help us reach
our goal of
100!
If you would like to join me and your fellow alumni and friends of the college in supporting students by purchasing a tree, please phone Darla Yonkman, Alumni Coordinator at 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8628. AlumnixL
27
••• ABOUT US •••
28
Goodhand and Webb join Lakeland’s Board of Governors
AlumnixL
Linnea Goodhand of Lloydminster and Scott Webb of Vermilion were recently appointed to three-year terms on the Lakeland College Board of Governors. “We are pleased to welcome Linnea and Scott to our board. Both have diverse business backgrounds, strong community connections and previous board experience. I’m sure their input and viewpoints will be valuable as the board sets the direction for Lakeland’s second century of operation,” says Milt Wakefield, chair of Lakeland’s board. Goodhand is a lawyer and operator of Goodhand Law Office. She has served on many boards in the non-profit sector and is currently a member of the Lloydminster and District SPCA
board. Goodhand also sits on Lloydminster City Council. She and her husband Dale Beaudry are the parents of 20-year-old and 17-year-old daughters. When they relocated to Lloydminster in 1998, one of the things that drew them to the community was the presence of a post-secondary institution. “I don’t think we can underestimate the importance of Lakeland College in our area. It plays a vital role in the development of our young people,” says Goodhand. “I also appreciate the importance of the college in providing opportunities for mature students to make career changes, advance their existing careers, or simply to take classes for the sake of expanding one’s horizons.”
Webb is a partner in Webb’s of Vermilion and manager of the company’s machinery division which has dealerships in Vermilion, Vegreville and Lamont. He is a long-time member of the Vermilion Rotary Club and has been involved in numerous community organizations such as minor hockey, Kinsmen and 4-H. His association with the college spans several decades. He took an agronomy course through agricultural sciences, taught a small business course for the
business department, and has served on different college advisory committees. Webb and his wife Bernie’s youngest son starts university transfer courses at the Lloydminster campus this fall. “The growth that we’ve seen at the college in the last seven years has been impressive and gratifying,” says Webb. “As a new board member I know I have a lot to learn, but I hope to help contribute to the continued growth.”
Agricultural Branding Campaign Donors
going green Roy & Theresa Berg Bill & Myrna Fox Tom & Gwen Kibblewhite Gary & Isabelle Moses (3 Brands) R. Snelgrove & Sons Ltd. Orvis Schneider
with Alumni Gold Part of our young alumni initiative is to GO GREEN! If you graduated between 2003-2013, you will receive your LakelandxL newsletter by email. If you graduated earlier than 2003 and use email, please let us know and we’ll add you to the Green Delivery list too! Be sure we have your email address. Please send it to gold@lakelandcollege.ca.
If you’d like to see your cattle brand on the legacy wall, contact Darla Yonkman, alumni coordinator, darla.yonkman@lakelandcollege.ca, or call 780 581 4372; 780 853 8628, toll free 1 800 661 6490 ext 8628.
Our fees will increase in 2015 so get your membership now! $10/ year or $100/ lifetime Contact Crystal Gilbertson crystalgilbertson2@gmail.com 780 549 9119
You don’t want to miss the class notes from your friends!
Leave a Legacy Recently we have decided that we wanted to leave a legacy and chose to include Lakeland College in our will. My college years were a very important time in my life and I want to give back to the place that meant so much to me. The bequest that will go to the college some day is meant to go to students who need financial help. We feel good about the choice we have made. Six member of my family, as well as two brother-in-laws, a stepson and stepdaughter also attended Lakeland. My sister, Lois (Olsen) Johnson returned as a teacher. The Olsen family has very close ties to Lakeland College. Ray Olsen (’65) and Grace Bowditch
To leave your legacy contact: Joyce Stewart Manager Planned Giving 1 780 974 2807 joyce.stewart@lakelandcollege.ca Darla Yonkman Alumni Coordinator 1 800 661 6490 ext 8628 darla.yonkman@lakelandcollege.ca
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Lakeland College Alumni Office 5707 College drive Vermilion Alberta T9X 1K5
Canada Post Publication Mail PM40009099
Spring 2014 Alumni & Friends Newsletter